Who won Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI today? — Match result & turning points
Pakistan registered a thrilling six-run win over Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series. Batting first after being put in, Pakistan posted 299 for 5, thanks to Salman Agha’s unbeaten 105 off 87 balls and Hussain Talat’s 62. Despite a slow start, the hosts went all out in the final phase, adding 180 runs in the last 20 overs.
Sri Lanka began their chase perfectly with openers Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara adding 85 runs in just 11 overs. However, Haris Rauf picked wickets in quick succession to bring the home team back in the game. Wanindu Hasaranga’s 59 off 52 balls was the sole fighting contribution from the visitors, but his dismissal in the 49th over dashed their chase. Maheesh Theekshana’s late cameo brought Sri Lanka within striking distance, but Hussain Talat held his nerve in the final over to seal the win. Pakistan’s bowling unit, despite conceding 26 wides and dropping chances, defended 300 and secured a narrow victory.
Top batting performances of the match — Salman Agha
Salman Agha was the hero of the evening, hitting a brilliant unbeaten 105 off 87 balls, his second ODI century. Coming to bat at 76 for 3, Agha anchored the innings. He first steadied Pakistan’s innings in partnership with Hussain Talat before accelerating in the death overs. His knock included nine boundaries, ensuring Pakistan reached 299 for 5.
MOST RUNS FOR PAKISTAN IN ODIs SINCE THE 2023 CWC
– Salman Ali Agha — 870 @ 48
– Muhammad Rizwan — 721 @ 40
– Saim Ayub — 718 @ 47Salman ali agha has been Pakistan’s best batsman 👏pic.twitter.com/r6jc4S63b6
— junaiz (@dhillow_) November 11, 2025
Best bowling spells — Haris Rauf
Haris Rauf’s spell of 4 for 61 was the turning point of the contest. When Sri Lanka’s openers raced to 85 in 11 overs, Rauf’s introduction changed the game. He first dismissed Kamil Mishara, followed by Kusal Mendis off the very next ball, and then trapped Pathum Nissanka behind in his next over. Later, Rauf returned to remove the well-set Sadeera Samarawickrama for 39, stopping another partnership. His spell played a huge role in Pakistan pulling off a sensational win.
Records Broken and Major Milestones Achieved
Pakistan’s six-run victory equaled their joint-lowest win margin against Sri Lanka in ODIs, matching the six-run win in Lucknow back in 1989. The win also recorded Sri Lanka’s first defeat after three consecutive ODI victories, and only their fourth loss in 11 ODIs this year
Who was the Player of the Match?
Veteran batter Salman Agha was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 105 off 87 deliveries. His innings rescued Pakistan from early trouble and guided them to a defendable total. His innings saw him play at a strike rate of 120.68 and smash nine boundaries.
What is the next match?
The second ODI between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be played on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi. With the home team leading the series 1-0, Sri Lanka will look to bounce back strongly and keep the three-match series alive.
India
