Pakistan skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi showered praise on all-rounders Salman Ali Agha and Hussain Talat, as well as pacer Haris Rauf, after a thrilling six-run victory over Sri Lanka in the opening ODI at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Sent in to bat, Pakistan stumbled early, losing four wickets for 95 in 23.2 overs, thanks to a destructive spell from Wanindu Hasaranga. However, a match-turning 138-run partnership between Agha and Talat steadied the innings. Agha’s unbeaten 105 off 87 balls, featuring nine boundaries, led the charge, while Talat contributed 62 from 63 balls. Mohammad Nawaz added a quick 36* to push Pakistan near the 300-run mark.
250-260 butSpeaking after the game, Shaheen admitted Pakistan initially aimed for 250-260, but lauded Agha and Talat for taking the team close to 300.
“Credit goes to Agha and Talat. Our start wasn’t ideal, but they anchored the innings brilliantly,” said Shaheen. “Reaching 300 after such a start is a huge achievement.”
Sri Lanka looked strong in their chase until the 11th over, but Haris Rauf’s fiery spell changed the game. He picked up four wickets for 49 runs in his 10 overs, supported by Naseem Shah and Faheem Shah, who took two wickets each, helping Pakistan defend the total.
Shaheen highlighted Haris’s performance: “Haris is always a strike bowler for Pakistan. His spell was incredible.”
The victory was sealed in style when Babar Azam completed a stunning one-handed catch at wide slip to dismiss Sadeera Samarawickrama, a moment Shaheen described as “like Superman.”
Pakistan now takes a 1-0 lead in the series, thanks to stellar contributions from their all-round stars and fast bowlers.
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