Rawalpindi: Pakistan skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi lauded all-rounders Agha Salman and Hussain Talat, along with pacer Haris Rauf, for their standout performances in the team’s narrow six-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first ODI at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
After being put in to bat, Pakistan faced early trouble at 95/4 in 23.2 overs following a fiery spell from Wanindu Hasaranga, who claimed three wickets. However, a 138-run fifth-wicket partnership between Agha Salman and Hussain Talat revived the innings and turned the momentum in the hosts’ favour.
Agha remained unbeaten on 105 off 87 balls, smashing nine fours in a commanding display, while Talat scored a crucial 62 off 63 deliveries. Later, Mohammad Nawaz’s unbeaten 36 off 23 helped Pakistan post a competitive total close to 300 runs.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Afridi credited his middle order for their resilience under pressure.
“The players played really well. After losing early wickets, credit goes to Agha and Talat,” Shaheen said. “Initially, we were aiming for around 250–260, but reaching close to 300 was a big boost.”
In reply, Sri Lanka started strongly but were pegged back by an inspired spell from Haris Rauf, who ripped through their batting lineup with four wickets for 49 runs in 10 overs. He was ably supported by Naseem Shah and Faheem Ashraf, who took two wickets each, as Pakistan held their nerve to seal a tight six-run win.
Afridi reserved special praise for Rauf, calling him Pakistan’s “main bowler” in white-ball cricket.
“More credit goes to Haris Rauf — the way he bowled was outstanding. He’s always a wicket-taker for us and a match-winner,” Shaheen added.
Rauf’s fourth wicket came thanks to a spectacular one-handed catch by Babar Azam at wide slip to dismiss Sadeera Samarawickrama, a moment that electrified the crowd.
“Babar’s catch was like Superman,” Shaheen said with a grin as he wrapped up the post-match presentation.
With this win, Pakistan take a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series, setting the stage for another thrilling contest in the upcoming second ODI.
