HIGHLIGHTS Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka in Pakistan 3 ODI Series 2025, 1st ODI- Result, Scorecard

We are back for the second chapter to unfold! The umpires have paved their way to the center of the field. Followed by the players of Pakistan, to take their respective fielding positions. Shaheen Afridi will start with the new ball. Pathum Nissanka will take the strike, with the debutant, Kamil Mishara. Here we go...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

The stage is now set for the second half of the match. With 299 runs on the board, Pakistan have a humongous total to defend, and the focus now shifts to their bowling attack. The Lankan batters will look to build on a strong partnership to successfully chase the target. Also, due might be a factor as Charith Asalanka said at the time of toss. Will Sri Lanka's batting unit overcome the total, or will Pakistan's bowlers defend the total successfully? We shall find out soon. Chase is coming up shortly...

Wanindu Hasaranga, the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka, is up for a quick chat. He says that they started well with the ball but credits Salman and Talat for the way they batted after four wickets. Adds that the wicket looks good and he thinks they can chase this down. Mentions that he is the main wicket-taker for his team, and his plan is always to attack the stumps. Says that he doesn't change much between formats and just tries to stick to his strengths.

After the fall of the second wicket, Hasaranga got two more wickets in quick succession and Pakistan were 95 for 4 wickets in the 24th over. But the partnership between Salman Agha and Hussain Talat changed the narrative of the game. Talat got a golden lifeline at the early stage of his inning. Due to a wrong decision of the umpire, he stayed alive on the pitch, and Sri Lanka didn't have any reviews left in their bank to challenge. Talat made sure he cashed it out well and scored 62 runs off 63 deliveries. On the other end of the pitch, Salman Agha kept his blissful stroke play and got his deserved century. Credit to Mohammad Nawaz as his quickfire helped his side to post 300 target on the scoreboard.

The Pakistan openers, even after starting their inning with caution, fell under the brilliance of Ashitha Fernando, who drew the first blood on behalf of the team. With that first wicket, Pakistan fell on their back foot and the bowlers of Sri Lanka made it sure that they kept the pressure on their opposition. However, Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman eased the situation, but the boundaries were dried up. As soon as the latter started taking the authority, Wanindu Hasaranga stepped up and put an end to the danger hovering over Lanka.

What an inning we just witnessed! In the first half of the innings, we all thought that Sri Lanka held the grasp of the game, but one partnership changed everything. As a wise man said, anything can happen in the game of cricket. Hands down to Salman Agha for his master stroke, scoring 105 runs off 87 deliveries and helping his side to put up a total of 299 on the board.

Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Nawaz, FOUR! Mohammad Nawaz finishes on a high! Dushmantha Chameera serves this full, angling into the pads. Mohammad Nawaz picks it up and whips it away towards the deep square leg fence. It almost goes over, but just lands inside for a one-bounce four. Pakistan end up on 299/5!

Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Nawaz, Dushmantha Chameera bowls another excellent yorker, on middle, Mohammad Nawaz cannot do anything about it other than jamming it to the left of the bowler.

Dushmantha Chameera to Salman Agha, Takes pace off, back of a length and on middle, Salman Agha looks to push it away but goes through the shot early and gets an inside edge towards short fine for one.

Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Nawaz, Right in the blockhole, on middle, Mohammad Nawaz just about get his bat down to dig it out as the ball rolls towards the leg side. They cross.

Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Nawaz, FOUR! Easy pickings! Full toss, angling down the leg side. Mohammad Nawaz just has to get some bat on it and tickles it away to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Nawaz, Dushmantha Chameera nails the yorker, on off, Mohammad Nawaz is a bit late to gets his bat down in time and fails to dig it out.

Asitha Fernando to Salman Agha, Pace off again, full and on off, Salman Agha steps across to slog it away but miscues it off the toe-end towards deep mid-wicket for a brace. 300 is still on for Pakistan!

Asitha Fernando to Mohammad Nawaz, Pitched up and around leg, Mohammad Nawaz fails to flick it away as the ball goes off his pads towards cover. The batters cross for a leg bye.

Asitha Fernando to Salman Agha, Back of a length and on off, slower too, Salman Agha bunts it onto the ground towards the keeper and sneaks in a quick one.

Asitha Fernando to Mohammad Nawaz, Full toss, outside off, Mohammad Nawaz slices it away to deep backward point for a run.

Asitha Fernando to Mohammad Nawaz, SIX! Just over! Goes a bit fuller and on off, Mohammad Nawaz stays deep inside his crease, extends his arms and launches it down the ground. Janith Liyanage at long off thinks he is in the game, but it just goes over him for a six.

Asitha Fernando to Salman Agha, Good length and around off, Salman Agha guides it through point for a single.

Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Nawaz, FOUR MORE! 20 runs off the over! A low full toss now, outside off, Mohammad Nawaz manages to get underneath it and carves it over extra cover for four more runs.

Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Nawaz, FOUR! Streaky but they all count! Dushmantha Chameera misses his length and bowls a full toss outside off. Mohammad Nawaz slashes hard at it and gets an outside edge that flies past short third for the third boundary of the over. 16 runs already off the over, with one ball to go.

Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Nawaz, Fuller again and around off, Mohammad Nawaz drills it away wide of sweeper cover for a brace.

Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Nawaz, WIDE! Pitched up, way outisde off, Mohammad Nawaz fails to reach out for it. Wided.

Dushmantha Chameera to Salman Agha, HUNDRED FOR AGHA! An exceptional knock from a special player. This is his 2nd ODI century, and one that he will remember for a long time. Good length and on off, Salman Agha dabs it through point for one. He takes off his helmet and raises it along with his bat to soak in all the applause.

Dushmantha Chameera to Salman Agha, FOUR! Superb batting! Dushmantha Chameera tries the yorker, on middle. Salman Agha crouches low, takes it on the full and scoops it over backward square leg for another boundary. He moves to 99 now, and the crowd is up on their feet.

Salman Agha is down on the ground! Agha and Dushmantha Chameera were both caught ball-watching and collided near the non-striker's end. The physio is out having a check. It seems like a normal knock and he is all set to continue his inning.

Dushmantha Chameera to Salman Agha, FOUR! Nicely done! Fuller in length and outside off, takes pace off. Salman Agha moves across a bit, drags it from outside off and swipes it to the vacant deep square leg fence for a boundary. While running, he collides with Dushmantha Chameera as both were ball watching.

Asitha Fernando to Mohammad Nawaz, Asitha Fernando gets lucky here! He loses his grip and spills it a high full toss, outside off. Mohammad Nawaz has a big swing across the line but misses. The square leg umpire does not signal anything much to the amusement of Nawaz. The replay shows that it was above the waist of the batter and should have been a No Ball.

Asitha Fernando to Salman Agha, Slower one, back of a length and on off, Salman Agha has to reach out for it and stabs it to extra cover for one.

Asitha Fernando to Salman Agha, WIDE! Fuller and this time it is outside the guideline, Salman Agha offers no shot at it. Gets the wide call.

Asitha Fernando to Salman Agha, Nails the wide yorker, outside off, Salman Agha leaves it thinking it is a wide, but just inside the tramline.

Asitha Fernando to Mohammad Nawaz, Pitched up and outside off, Mohammad Nawaz squeezes it out to deep point for a run.

Asitha Fernando to Salman Agha, Run out...chance..missed! On a length and on off, Salman Agha guides it through backward point and turns around for the second run, but his partner is not interested. The throw from the deep comes in at the wrong end and is well wide of the keeper as well. Kusal Mendis collects and throws it to the bowler, but by then, Agha has made his ground.

Asitha Fernando to Mohammad Nawaz, Low full toss, on off, Mohammad Nawaz drills it to mid off for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Mohammad Nawaz, Maheesh Theekshana gets away with one here! He bowls a full toss, on off, Mohammad Nawaz tries to slog it a bit too hard and slices it towards sweeper cover for one.

Maheesh Theekshana to Mohammad Nawaz, Quicker, short and outside off, Mohammad Nawaz tries to cut it away but gets a bottom edge onto the ground and behind, where it hits the keeper's pads and goes nowhere.

Maheesh Theekshana to Mohammad Nawaz, Cleverly bowled! Slows it up, full but keeps it away from the batter. Mohammad Nawaz throws his bat at it but does not connect.

Maheesh Theekshana to Mohammad Nawaz, Fires in a yorker, on middle, angling in, Mohammad Nawaz jams it out tp mid-wicket.

Maheesh Theekshana to Salman Agha, Flighted, full and on off, Salman Agha lots it over covers for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Salman Agha, Flatter, full and outisde off, Salman Agha extends his arms and carves it over extra cover for a couple of runs.

Maheesh Theekshana to Salman Agha, WIDE! Does not get the wide yorker right, spills it outside the guideline again, Salman Agha lets it go. Called a wide.

Maheesh Theekshana to Salman Agha, Fires one full, but way, way outisde off, Salman Agha leaves it alone. Kusal Mendis, the keeper, does well to dive to his right to collect it. The third umpire is called in and, after a few replays, confirms that the ball has pitched outside the pitch. It is a No Ball. A Free Hit up next...

Asitha Fernando to Salman Agha, Slower and wide outside off. Salman Agha steers it wide of short third for a single.

Asitha Fernando to Salman Agha, Short of a length, outside off. Salman Agha drags it across the line toward the left of the deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Asitha Fernando to Mohammad Nawaz, Full-length delivery, on off. Mohammad Nawaz pushes it long off single.

Asitha Fernando to Mohammad Nawaz, Full and wide outside off. Mohammad Nawaz attempts to drive at it but gets beaten on the inner edge.

Asitha Fernando to Salman Agha, Back of a length, outside off. Salman Agha shuffles across the stump to pull it from the inner half of his bat toward sqaure leg for a single.

Asitha Fernando to Mohammad Nawaz, Much fuller, on middle. Mohammad Nawaz flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Salman Agha, Full and outside off. Salman Agha slices a drive past the diving point fielder and gets a brace.

Maheesh Theekshana to Mohammad Nawaz, Maheesh Theekshana drags his length back on the stumps. Mohammad Nawaz knocks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Mohammad Nawaz, FOUR! What a start from Nawaz! Short and outside off. Mohammad Nawaz cuts it beautifully to beat the deep point fielder to his right for a boundary.

Mohammad Nawaz comes out to the middle now.

Maheesh Theekshana to Hussain Talat, OUT! LBW! Shouts for LBW and up goes the finger of the umpire! Hussain Talat opts for a review now. Maheesh Theekshana jogs from 'round the wicket, delivers it flat and much fuller, on off, angling it in. Talat shuffles across the stump to slog it away, but gets beaten on the inner edge and is hit on the lower part of his pad. The UltraEdge shows that there's a clear gap between the bat and ball. The Ball Tracking detects that the ball is pitching on off and hitting the middle stump. The on-field decision stands. Hussain Talat makes his way to the dugout, scoring 62 off 63, but the crowd's round of applause will surely cheer him up. Pakistan are 233/5!

Maheesh Theekshana to Hussain Talat, Full and wide outside off. Hussain Talat attempts to push it away but gets beaten on the outer edge.

Maheesh Theekshana to Salman Agha, Short of a length, outside off. Salman Agha steers it to deep third for a single.

Janith Liyanage to Hussain Talat, Pitches it up, on the pads. Hussain Talat whips it toward mid-wicket and gets a brace.

Janith Liyanage to Hussain Talat, WIDE! Janith Liyanage needs to control his nerves! Down the leg side. Hussain Talat misses the flick and gets the bonus run for the team.

Janith Liyanage to Salman Agha, TWO WIDES! Pitches it up, spraying it down the leg side. Salman Agha misses the flick and the keeper tumbles away but fails to glove it in. The ball rolls away toward short fine leg and the batters gets a single.

Janith Liyanage to Salman Agha, Pitches it on the stumps. Salman Agha steps across the stumps and tucks it wide of mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Janith Liyanage to Hussain Talat, Change of pace, once again, full and outside off. Hussain Talat makes room and punches it to long off for a single.

Janith Liyanage to Hussain Talat, Slower delivery, fuller, on middle. Hussain Talat looks to slog it but gets a slight inner edge and hits on his own pad.

Janith Liyanage to Hussain Talat, Short, wide outside off. Hussain Talat cuts it hard but straigth to backward point.

Janith Liyanage to Hussain Talat, WIDE! Back of the hand, spraying it down the leg side. Hussain Talat opens his stance and looks to flick it full-fledgedly, but misses. Kusal Mendis, behind the stumps, shouts 'HOW' as he isn't satisfied with the verdict of the umpire.

Janith Liyanage to Hussain Talat, Full, on leg. Hussain Talat flicks it uppishly to deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Maheesh Theekshana to Salman Agha, Another brace, this is excellent running between the wickets from these two batters! Full, on off. Salman Agha clips it across the line toward the vacant square leg region and gets a couple of runs.

Maheesh Theekshana to Salman Agha, Flat, quicker and fuller, on the sticks. Salman Agha tucks it into the gap, between deep mid-wicket and long on, to get a brace.

Maheesh Theekshana to Salman Agha, WIDE! Maheesh Theekshana switches his side and now jogs over the wicket. He bowls fuller, but darts it wide outside off, beyond the tamline. The umpire signals wide.

Maheesh Theekshana to Hussain Talat, Fullish, on off. Hussain Talat skips down the track and drives it to long off for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Hussain Talat, Maheesh Theekshana drags his length back, just outside off. Hussain Talat steers it to short third and sets off for a single, but is sent back by Agha and rightfully so.

Not good signs for Sri Lanka! Charith Asalanka has gone down holding his hamstring, and the physio comes in to check on him. After a few stretches, he is good to continue.

Maheesh Theekshana to Hussain Talat, SIX! Hussain Talat is just not stopping now! Flat and fuller, on middle. Hussain Talat crouches a bit low and lofts it over the bowler for a flat six. Talat is opening his broad shoulders to trigger the scoreline.

Maheesh Theekshana to Hussain Talat, FIFTY FOR TALAT! Pitches it up, on off. Hussain Talat punches it to the right of cover-point and gets two runs to get his maiden ODI half-century. He lifts his willow up to soak all the applause from the dugout and the crowd.

Dushmantha Chameera to Salman Agha, FOUR! Hot knife through butter! Much fuller, wide outside off. Salman Agha plants his front foot away from the delivery and punches it uppishly toward the sweeper cover fence for four more runs.

Dushmantha Chameera to Hussain Talat, Another yorker, on middle and leg. Hussain Talat jams it to right of mid-wicket for a single.

Dushmantha Chameera to Salman Agha, Yorker, on leg. Salman Agha whips it to wide of long on for one.

Dushmantha Chameera to Salman Agha, FOUR! Excellent shot from Agha! That will bring up the 200 for Pakistan! Slower delivery once again, back of a length, on middle. Salman Agha looks to pull it away, but as he sees the change of pace, he adjusts his willow to scoop it over the head of the keeper for a boundary.

Dushmantha Chameera to Salman Agha, Back of the hand from Dushmantha Chameera, wide outside off. Salman Agha lets the delivery travel to the keeper thinking it's a wide, but the delivery manages to stay just inside of the tramline.

Dushmantha Chameera to Salman Agha, Much fuller, on off. Salman Agha shuffles across the stumps to ramp it away, but gets the inner edge and hits on his pad. The ball rolls away toward the sqaure leg region and the batter gets a brace.

POWERPLAY 3! Sri Lanka will now be allowed 5 fielders outside the 30-yard circle till the end of the innings. Pakistan have a solid launchpad courtesy of this century-run partnership, and they can think about 280-300 now. The Lankans are desperate for a wicket here.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Salman Agha, Dragged back, on middle, Salman Agha backs away and punches it through extra covers for one more. That also brings up the 100-RUN STAND between these two batters.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Hussain Talat, Flighted, full and on leg, Hussain Talat tucks it through square leg for one.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Salman Agha, Quicker, short and on off, Salman Agha tries to cut it too close from his body and chops it to backward point for another run.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Hussain Talat, Goes short and on middle, Hussain Talat punches it to long on for a run.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Salman Agha, Flatter, full and on middle and leg, Salman Agha goes down for the sweep but misses as the ball goes off his pads towards short fine. A leg bye taken. There is a shout for LBW, but turned down.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Salman Agha, Wanindu Hasaranga sees the batter advance and drags his length back, on off. Salman Agha is out of his crease but has the presence of mind to adjust to the length and steers it to short third.

Dushmantha Chameera to Salman Agha, Pitched up and on off, Salman Agha works it through square leg for one.

Dushmantha Chameera to Salman Agha, On a length and on leg, Salman Agha nudges it wide of deep fine leg for a brace.

Dushmantha Chameera to Salman Agha, FOUR! Runs are coming thick and fast now! Dushmantha Chameera bangs this one into the pitch but down the leg side. Salman Agha gets across to hook it away and gloves it to the left of the keeper to find the deep fine leg fence for a boundary.

Dushmantha Chameera to Hussain Talat, Tip and run! Short of a length and on off, Hussain Talat pats it in front of short third for a quick one.

Dushmantha Chameera to Salman Agha, Back of a length and on off, Salman Agha punches it through cover-point for a run.

Dushmantha Chameera to Hussain Talat, Fuller and on off, Hussain Talat drives it through covers for a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Salman Agha, A full toss, on middle, Salman Agha goes down and swipes it to deep square leg for a brace.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Hussain Talat, Quicker, short and on off, Hussain Talat stabs it out towards extra cover for one.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Hussain Talat, FOUR! Brilliant shot! Flighted, full and on middle, Hussain Talat goes down on one knee and slogs it powerfully wide of long on for a one-bounce four.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Hussain Talat, Just short! Another googly, full and outisde off, Hussain Talat tries to loft it away but gets a top edge. The fielder at short fine dives forward but fails to reach it.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Hussain Talat, Tossed up, full and on middle, Hussain Talat blocks it out.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Salman Agha, FIFTY FOR AGHA! His 9th half-century in ODIs and first against Sri Lanka. This has been another crucial knock from him under pressure, and he continues his good form. This is a googly, full and on middle, turns in. Salman Agha looks to push it away but gets an inside edge towards square leg for a single.

Janith Liyanage to Salman Agha, Hard length and on middle, Salman Agha nudges it through mid-wicket for one more.

Janith Liyanage to Hussain Talat, Slower one, full and on middle, Hussain Talat uses his feet and knocks it wide of mid off for one.

Janith Liyanage to Hussain Talat, FOUR! Lovely shot! Short of a length and well outside off, Hussain Talat gets the chance to free his arms and crunches it through point. The fielder in the deep runs to his right and dives but fails to stop the boundary as it was hit really hard.

Janith Liyanage to Hussain Talat, Slower one, good length and on middle, Hussain Talat tries to work it away but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball goes nowhere.

Janith Liyanage to Salman Agha, Pitched up and on middle, Salman Agha tucks it away through square leg for a single.

Janith Liyanage to Salman Agha, WIDE! On a length but down the leg side, Salman Agha fails to get any bat on that. Called a wide.

Janith Liyanage to Salman Agha, Fuller and around leg, Salman Agha clips it wide of deep square leg for a brace. He moves to 47 now!

Wanindu Hasaranga to Hussain Talat, Slows it up, shortish and on off, Hussain Talat keeps it out to the off side.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Salman Agha, Darts one full and on leg, Salman Agha works it through square leg for one.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Hussain Talat, Floated, full and on leg, Hussain Talat drills it to long on for one.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Hussain Talat, FOUR! Nice shot! Flighted, full and on off, Hussain Talat gets right under it and smashes it to the left of mid off. Dushmantha Chameera puts in a dive but goes over the ball and lets it through for a boundary.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Salman Agha, Flatter, full and on middle, Salman Agha goes down and just about get some bat on it to paddle it wide of short fine. Kamindu Mendis chases after it and slides to push the ball back inside. Three runs taken.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Hussain Talat, Tossed up, full and on middle, Hussain Talat drills it to long on for a single.

Asitha Fernando to Salman Agha, Good length and on off, Salman Agha tries to cut it away but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball rolls towards backward point. Just one run off the over!

Asitha Fernando to Salman Agha, Hard length and outisde off, takes pace off and this one keeps low too. Salman Agha throws his bat at it but misses.

Asitha Fernando to Salman Agha, Good fielding again! Bangs this into the pitch, on middle. Salman Agha heaves it right from the middle of the bat, but the fielder at short mid-wicket moves quickly to his left to save the boundary.

Asitha Fernando to Hussain Talat, Short of a length and on middle, Hussain Talat pulls it hard but straight towards deep square leg for a single.

Asitha Fernando to Hussain Talat, Back of a length and on middle, Hussain Talat swats it wide of short mid-wicket, where the fielder dives to his left to make a fine stop.

Asitha Fernando to Hussain Talat, Big shout for LBW, but turned down! This is a slower one, on a length and on middle, angling in. Hussain Talat misses his flick and gets hit on the pads. Probably a bit high and also going down the leg side.

Maheesh Theekshana to Hussain Talat, Goes short again, on middle, Hussain Talat punches it to the left of the bowler. Maheesh Theekshana dives to his left but the ball deflects off his arm towards long on. They cross.

Maheesh Theekshana to Hussain Talat, Tossed up, full and on off, Hussain Talat drills it straight to short cover.

Maheesh Theekshana to Hussain Talat, FOUR! Short and punished! Maheesh Theekshana drags his length back, outside off. Hussain Talat waits for it and cuts it away nicely through point for a much-needed boundary. 150 up for Pakistan!

Maheesh Theekshana to Hussain Talat, Slows it up, full and on middle, Hussain Talat fends it back to the bowler.

Maheesh Theekshana to Salman Agha, Flighted, full and on off, Salman Agha drives it to sweeper cover for a run.

Maheesh Theekshana to Hussain Talat, Floated, full and on off, Hussain Talat pushes it towards covers for a single. That brings up the 50-run stand between these two batters.

Asitha Fernando to Hussain Talat, Edgy! Pitched up and outisde off, Hussain Talat uses his feet and throws the kitchen sink at it, but gets an outside edge towards third man for another single.

Asitha Fernando to Salman Agha, Hits the length hard, on off, Salman Agha opens the face of his bat and steers it to third man for one more.

Asitha Fernando to Hussain Talat, On a length and on middle, Hussain Talat guides it through backward point for one.

Asitha Fernando to Salman Agha, Back of a length and on off, Salman Agha dabs it through point for another run.

Asitha Fernando to Salman Agha, WIDE! Bangs in a bouncer, on middle and leg, but a bit too high, Salman Agha lets it go. Wided.

Asitha Fernando to Hussain Talat, Short of a length and on middle, Hussain Talat rolls his wrists and pulls it along the ground to deep square leg for a run.

Asitha Fernando to Salman Agha, Good length and on off, Salman Agha runs it down to third man for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Salman Agha, Drags his length back, on middle, Salman Agha nudges it through square leg for one more.

Maheesh Theekshana to Hussain Talat, Darts one full and on leg, Hussain Talat drills it to long on for one.

Maheesh Theekshana to Salman Agha, Flatter, short and on off, Salman Agha punches it through covers for a run.

Maheesh Theekshana to Hussain Talat, Swing and a miss! Flatter, full and outisde off, Hussain Talat goes down and has a wild slog across the line but misses. Kusal Mendis also fails to collect it cleanly as it oges off his pads towards point. A bye taken.

Maheesh Theekshana to Hussain Talat, Floated, full and on off, Hussain Talat drills it wide of short cover, where the fielder dives to his left to make a good stop.

Maheesh Theekshana to Salman Agha, Short and around off, Salman Agha stays back and guides it through point for a single.

Drinks break! The partnership are piling up for Pakistan, which is also a sign of light to get themselves back into the game. One thing is clear, there are no demons on track, the deliveries are not spinning outrageously, but credit to the Lankan bowlers as they are keeping the line and length.

Charith Asalanka to Salman Agha, Pushed through quicker, full and on off, Salman Agha waits for it and steers it wide of short third. The fielder dives to his left to make the stop. They cross.

Charith Asalanka to Hussain Talat, Drags his length back, on middle, Hussain Talat punches it to long on for one.

Charith Asalanka to Hussain Talat, FOUR! Pakistan changing gears now! Flighted, full and around off, Hussain Talat uses his feet to go inside out. Extends his arms and smacks it over extra cover for another boundary.

Charith Asalanka to Salman Agha, Short again and on middle, Salman Agha heaves it aerailly but safely towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Charith Asalanka to Salman Agha, Flatter, short and on middle, Salman Agha tucks it with soft hands through square leg and comes back for the second run. Good running!

Charith Asalanka to Salman Agha, FOUR! Good use of the feet! Floated, full and on off, Salman Agha dances down the track, reaches out for it and thumps it over mid off for a boundary.

Maheesh Theekshana to Hussain Talat, Short of a length, on off and middle. Hussain Talat pushes it toward the left of the bowler.

Maheesh Theekshana to Salman Agha, Maheesh Theekshana drags his length back, outside off. Salman Agha cuts it a bit early to sweeper cover for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Salman Agha, Pitches it up, on middle. Salman Agha eases it back to the bowler.

Maheesh Theekshana to Salman Agha, Slower and shorter, outside off. Salman Agha looks to chop it away but under edges the delivery, just toward the off side.

Maheesh Theekshana to Hussain Talat, Full, angling down the leg. Hussain Talat eases it to long on for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Salman Agha, Short, outside off. Salman Agha pushes it to deep point for one.

Charith Asalanka to Hussain Talat, Flat and short, outside off. Hussain Talat cuts it to wide of deep cover for a brace.

Charith Asalanka to Salman Agha, Fuller, outside off. Salman Agha slaps it to deep cover for one.

Charith Asalanka to Salman Agha, Pitches it outside off. Salman Agha pushes it to cover.

Charith Asalanka to Salman Agha, Pitches it up, on middle. Salman Agha skips down the track and pushes it straight back to the bowler. Asalanka, within a fraction of a second, throws it directly toward the striker's end as the batter is out of his crease and hits the stump. The review shows that Agha gets back and drops his bat into the popping crease just in time.

Charith Asalanka to Hussain Talat, Pitches it up on the stumps. Hussain Talat pushes it to long on for a single.

Charith Asalanka to Salman Agha, Short, on middle and leg. Salman Agha tucks it to deep sqaure leg for one.

Charith Asalanka brings himself into the attack now.

Maheesh Theekshana to Hussain Talat, FOUR! UP AND OVER! Maheesh Theekshana offers a bit fuller, outside off. Hussain Talat plants his front foot toward the delivery and uses his bottom hand to loft it over the cover region for a boundary.

Maheesh Theekshana to Hussain Talat, Flat and short, on off. Hussain Talat blocks it back to the bowler.

Maheesh Theekshana to Salman Agha, Fullish, on off. Salman Agha eases it to long on for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Salman Agha, Short, on off and middle. Salman Agha works it to mid-wicket for no run.

Maheesh Theekshana to Hussain Talat, Fuller, sliding it down the leg. Hussain Talat nudges it to sqaure leg for one.

Maheesh Theekshana to Salman Agha, Pitches it up, on middle. Salman Agha eases it toward the right of the bowler. Maheesh sprints and tumbles away to make a stop, but fails. The ball rolls away to the mid on region and the batters gets a comfortable single.

Dushmantha Chameera to Hussain Talat, Fuller, around off. Hussain Talat pushes it to mid off.

Dushmantha Chameera to Hussain Talat, Full-length delivery, on off and middle. Hussain Talat defends it back to the bowler.

Dushmantha Chameera to Salman Agha, Huge shout of an LBW appeal, but turned down immediately! Back of a length off and middle. Salman Agha looks to flick it across the line but misses and wears on his back thigh pad. The height is an issue!

Dushmantha Chameera to Hussain Talat, Back of a length, outside off. Hussain Talat opens the face of his bat toward deep backward point and takes a comfortable single.

Dushmantha Chameera to Hussain Talat, Pitches it up, on middle and angles it in sharply. Hussain Talat works it toward the leg side for no run.

Dushmantha Chameera to Hussain Talat, On a length, on off. Hussain Talat defends it right under his eyes.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Hussain Talat, Flighted, fuller, on off. Hussain Talat eases it to long on and takes the single. Talat is underway!

Wanindu Hasaranga to Hussain Talat, Much fuller, on off. Hussain Talat flicks it to mid-wicket.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Salman Agha, Short of a length, on off. Salman Agha punches it to sweeper cover for a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Salman Agha, Googly, around off. Salman Agha knocks it to point.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Salman Agha, FOUR! Top shot from Salman Agha! Wanindu Hasaranga drags his length back, just outside off. Agha goes deep into the crease and cuts it late to beat the short third fielder to his left for a boundary. 100 UP FOR PAKISTAN!

Wanindu Hasaranga to Salman Agha, Pitches it up, on off. Salman Agha defends it to the off side.

Dushmantha Chameera to Hussain Talat, On a length, angling in. Hussain Talat defends to point with soft hands.

Dushmantha Chameera to Hussain Talat, Slower and low full toss, just outside the off pole. Hussain Talat sees the ball dipping toward him. Therefore, he drops his bat down to cover the stump, but the ball misses the outside edge.

Dushmantha Chameera to Salman Agha, Back of a length, wide outside off. Salman Agha steers it to deep third for one.

Dushmantha Chameera to Salman Agha, Short of a length, on middle and leg. Salman Agha nudges it to mid-wicket.

Dushmantha Chameera to Salman Agha, On a length, outside off. Salman Agha dabs it toward backward point.

Dushmantha Chameera to Salman Agha, Bumper, outside off. Salman Agha ducks under it to let it pass.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Hussain Talat, Huge shout for LBW, but the umpire remains unmoved! Sri Lanka has no reviews left in their bank! Pitches it up, on off, angling it in. Hussain Talat looks to flick it across the line but misses and it thumps the pad. The replay and Ball Tracking after the over show that the ball hits the leg stump, and it would have been a goner. Hussain Talat gets a golden lifeline here!

Wanindu Hasaranga to Hussain Talat, Full-length delivery, on off and middle. Hussain Talat nudges it with soft hands toward mid-wikcet and gets no run.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Hussain Talat, Googly, on off and middle. Hussain Talat defends it down the pitch.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Hussain Talat, Tossed up, on off. Hussain Talat turns it to mid-wicket.

Hussain Talat walks out to bat now.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Babar Azam, OUT! BOWLED'EM! Wanindu Hasaranga gets the big fish and does his iconic celebration! This is a googly, pitching it on a fuller length, just outside off. Babar Azam lunges to drive it to cover, but the ball lands on the track, grips and turns a bit inward. It finds the space between the willow and the pad to hit the top of the off stump. Babar Azam has to depart, scoring 29 runs and Pakistan are four men down!

Wanindu Hasaranga to Salman Agha, Tossed up, on off. Salman Agha lunges and drives it to long on for a single.

Dushmantha Chameera to Babar Azam, Full-length delivery, on off, angling it in. Babar Azam presents the full face of his bat to block it to his front.

Dushmantha Chameera to Babar Azam, Pitches it up, on middle and leg. Babar Azam nudges it to mid-wicket for no run.

Dushmantha Chameera to Babar Azam, Hard-length delivery, around off. Babar Azam rides the bounce and punches it, but finds the cover fielder once again.

Dushmantha Chameera to Babar Azam, Back of a length, outside off. Babar Azam knocks it to cover.

Dushmantha Chameera to Babar Azam, Short, wide outside off. Babar Azam gets on his toes and punches it to the right of the deep cover-point fielder for a couple of runs.

Dushmantha Chameera to Babar Azam, Flighted, fuller, on middle. Babar Azam pushes it to mid on.

Dushmantha Chameera (3-1-7-0) comes back into the attack now.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Salman Agha, Much fuller, on off. Salman Agha jams it wide of the long off fielder and gets a brace.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Salman Agha, FOUR! The poor delivery gets the deserved punishment! Wanindu Hasaranga offers a juicy full toss, on middle. Salman Agha whips it over the mid-wicket region and the ball bounces away toward the fence for a boundary.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Salman Agha, Short, outside off. Salman Agha cuts it to point.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Salman Agha, Pitches it up, on off and spins it away. Salman Agha looks to blocks it to his front but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Salman Agha, Loopy, outside off. Salman Agha strides across and pushes to cover

Wanindu Hasaranga to Babar Azam, Tossed up, on off. Babar Azam works it through mid-wicket for a single.

Janith Liyanage to Salman Agha, FOUR! Easy pickings for Agha! Janith Liyanage delivers a touch fuller on leg. Salman Agha camps back and tickles it through backward square leg for four more runs.

Janith Liyanage to Babar Azam, On a length, around the thigh pad of the batter. Babar Azam clips it wide of the short fine leg fielder for a quick single. Agha had to hurry, as a direct hit would have had him there.

Janith Liyanage to Salman Agha, Full, on middle and leg. Salman Agha pushes it to mid on for a single.

Janith Liyanage to Salman Agha, Full-length delivery, just outside off. Salman Agha drives it gently to cover.

Janith Liyanage to Babar Azam, Pitches it up, on off. Babar Azam pushes it to sweeper cover for a single.

Janith Liyanage to Salman Agha, Good-length delivery, around off. Salman Agha punches it to sweeper cover for a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Salman Agha, Short again, on middle and leg, Salman Agha flicks it to deep mid-wicket for one/ Just 5 runs and a wicket from the over!

Wanindu Hasaranga to Salman Agha, Quicker, shortish and on middle, Salman Agha pats it back to the bowler.

Salman Agha walks up to the middle.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Mohammad Rizwan, OUT! PLUMB IN FRONT! Wanindu Hasaranga gets his second now! He dishes out the wrong'un, full and on middle, turning it in a bit. Mohammad Rizwan fails to read it and moves on his back foot to work it across the line. He plays completely down the wrong line and gets hit on the pads right in front of the stumps. There is a big shout for LBW, and up goes the finger without any hesitation. Rizwan also knows he is out and does not bother even having a chat with his partner for the review. Pakistan are three down now!

Wanindu Hasaranga to Mohammad Rizwan, FOUR! Gets it away! Flatter, full and on middle and leg, Mohammad Rizwan goes down across and paddles it away to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Mohammad Rizwan, Floated, full and on off, Mohammad Rizwan taps it to the off side.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Mohammad Rizwan, Tossed up, full and on middle, Mohammad Rizwan blocks it out.

Janith Liyanage to Mohammad Rizwan, Hard length and on middle, Mohammad Rizwan nudges it through mid-wicket for one.

Janith Liyanage to Mohammad Rizwan, Pitched up and around leg again, Mohammad Rizwan fails to work it away and the ball goes off his pads to the keeper.

Janith Liyanage to Babar Azam, Goes fuller but down the leg side, Babar Azam fails to glance it away as the ball brushes against the pads and goes to the left of the keeper. Kusal Mendis dives but only manages to parry it to short fine. Another leg bye.

Janith Liyanage to Babar Azam, On a length and on off, Babar Azam pushes it towards cover.

Janith Liyanage to Mohammad Rizwan, Fuller one and on middle, angling into the leg side, Mohammad Rizwan backs away to clip it away but misses and gets hit on the pads. The ball rolls towards square leg and the batters get a leg bye. There is a slight appeal for LBW, but turned down.

Janith Liyanage to Babar Azam, Back of a length and on off, Babar Azam punches it through covers for a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Mohammad Rizwan, Flatter, full and around off, keeps a bit low, Mohammad Rizwan goes down to sweep it away but fails to connect.

Mohammad Rizwan is the new man in.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Fakhar Zaman, OUT! STUMPED! Wanindu Hasaranga has the last laugh here! He gets a big breakthrough for Sri Lanka, and the budding 54-run stand is now broken. This is a googly, pushed through around off, turns away a bit too. Fakhar once again comes down the track to go big but gets beaten by the flight and turn. Kusal Mendis, behind the stumps, collects it and breaks the stumps with Fakhar nowhere near the crease. Zaman departs for 32 off 55, and Pakistan are 68/2!

Wanindu Hasaranga to Babar Azam, Drags his length back and outisde off, Babar Azam puches it through covers for a run.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Babar Azam, Short again and around off, Babar Azam tries to cut it hard but chops it down towards point.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Fakhar Zaman, A bit short and on middle, Fakhar Zaman clips it through square leg for a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Fakhar Zaman, SIX! BANG! Fakhar Zaman has had enough now! Tossed up, full and on middle. Fakhar skips down the track to get to the pitch of it and tonks it over the long on fence for a biggie. That also brings up the 50-RUN STAND between these two batters.

Janith Liyanage to Fakhar Zaman, Good length and on off, Fakhar Zaman jabs it out towards deep mid-wicket for one more. 10 runs of the over. The first double-digit over of this game.

Janith Liyanage to Babar Azam, On a length and on off, Babar Azam guides it towards point for one.

Janith Liyanage to Babar Azam, WIDE! Errs in line and sprays this down the leg side, Babar Azam fails to glance it away. Wided.

Janith Liyanage to Fakhar Zaman, Back of a length and outiside off, Fakhar Zaman punches it through cover-point fora run.

Janith Liyanage to Babar Azam, Pitched up and around off, Babar Azam drills it to sweeper cover for a single.

Janith Liyanage to Babar Azam, FOUR! Fine shot! Janith Liyanage gets a bit greedy and serves this very full, on middle. Babar Azam presents the full face of the bat and drives it gently, beating mid on to his left for a boundary.

Janith Liyanage to Fakhar Zaman, Fuller but angling down the leg side, Fakhar Zaman fails to flick it away as the ball goes off his pads towards square leg. Leg bye taken.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Babar Azam, Flights this up, full and on off, Babar Azam defends it on the front foot. Just one run off the over. Top stuff!

Wanindu Hasaranga to Fakhar Zaman, Short again and on leg, Fakhar Zaman nudges it to deep square leg for a single. 50 up for Pakistan!

Wanindu Hasaranga to Fakhar Zaman, Dots are piling up here! Slightly shorter in length, on leg, Fakhar Zaman glances it to short fine.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Fakhar Zaman, Fires one full and on middle, Fakhar Zaman drills it back to the bowler.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Fakhar Zaman, Floated, full and on leg, Fakhar Zaman tucks it towards square leg.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Fakhar Zaman, A googly, full and on middle, Fakhar Zaman watches it through and blocks it down the pitch.

Janith Liyanage to Babar Azam, Short of a length and on off, takes pace off, Babar Azam keeps it out on the pitch.

Janith Liyanage to Babar Azam, Good shot but for no runs! Overpitched and around off, Babar Azam takes a stride out and drives it firmly but straight to short cover.

Janith Liyanage to Fakhar Zaman, Full again, on middle, Fakhar Zaman tucks it through mid-wicket for another run.

Janith Liyanage to Babar Azam, Touch fuller and on off, Babar Azam pushes it towards point, where a fumble from Sadeera Samarawickrama allows the run. Sloppy!

Janith Liyanage to Fakhar Zaman, On a length and on middle and leg, Fakhar Zaman clips it through square leg for a single.

Janith Liyanage to Fakhar Zaman, Back of a length and on middle, Fakhar Zaman stays back and pats it to the leg side.

Drinks! Sri Lanka clearly holds a better grasp of the first inning so far. Their opening bowlers started the innings spectacularly and Asitha Fernando also picked up a wicket to set the tone of the match-up. On the other hand, Pakistan are right now aiming to get a sturdy partnership. They are finding the singles and doubles to rotate the strike and also keeping the scoreboard ticking. The Lankans would like to get another breakthrough, as this partnership might turn into a dangerous one.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Fakhar Zaman, Slows it up, full and on leg, Fakhar Zaman tucks it wide of short fine for one more.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Babar Azam, Tossed up, full and on off, Babar Azam prods forward and taps it in front of cover for a quick one.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Fakhar Zaman, Goes a bit short and on leg, Fakhar Zaman flicks it off the back foot through square leg for a run.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Fakhar Zaman, Floated, full and on off, Fakhar Zaman uses his feet but gets too close to the pitch of the ball and drills it straight to short third.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Fakhar Zaman, Flatter, full and on leg, skids through, Fakhar Zaman stays back and to clip it away but misses and gets hit on the back pad.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Babar Azam, Flighted, full and on middle, Babar Azam steps across and drills it towards long on for a single.

Janith Liyanage to Babar Azam, Pitched up and on off, Babar Azam strides out and drives it through point for one.

Janith Liyanage to Fakhar Zaman, Pulls his length back a bit, on leg, Fakhar Zaman clips it through square leg for a single.

Janith Liyanage to Fakhar Zaman, Touch fuller and around leg, shapes in a bit. Fakhar Zaman uses his feet and tries to heave it across the line but goes a bit too hard. Gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball goes nowhere.

Janith Liyanage to Fakhar Zaman, Back of a length and on off, Fakhar Zaman gets behind the line of it and blocks it out.

Janith Liyanage to Fakhar Zaman, Good length and on middle, Fakhar Zaman nudges it towards short mid-wicket.

Janith Liyanage to Fakhar Zaman, On a length but down the leg side, Fakhar Zaman misses his flick as the ball goes off his pads wide of short fine. The fielder chases after it and slides to stop it. Two leg byes taken.

Maheesh Theekshana to Babar Azam, FOUR! Put away! Maheesh Theekshana drags his length back and well outside off. Babar Azam uses the width on offer and slaps it wide of deep point for a boundary. 7 runs off the over!

Maheesh Theekshana to Babar Azam, Pushed through quicker, shortish and on off, Babar Azam guides it towards short third.

Maheesh Theekshana to Fakhar Zaman, Slows it up, full and on off, Fakhar Zaman goes inside out and chips it over extra cover for another run.

Maheesh Theekshana to Fakhar Zaman, Tossed up, full and on middle, straightens a bit, Fakhar Zaman gets forward to defend but gets an outisde edge along the ground towards short third.

Maheesh Theekshana to Babar Azam, Flatter, full and on off, Babar Azam opens the face of his bat and steers it towards point for a run.

Maheesh Theekshana to Fakhar Zaman, Floated, full and on middle, Fakhar Zaman clips it through square leg for a single.

Janith Liyanage to Babar Azam, Lands this on a hard length and on the fifth stump line, gets it to shape away sharply, Babar Azam leaves it alone.

Janith Liyanage to Babar Azam, Hits the length hard and just outside off, Babar Azam looks to cut it away but ends up chopping it onto the off side in front of point.

Janith Liyanage to Fakhar Zaman, On a length and on off, Fakhar Zaman pats it towards mid on for a run.

Janith Liyanage to Fakhar Zaman, Short of a length and around off, Fakhar Zaman stays back and punches it throughj cover-point for a brace.

Janith Liyanage to Fakhar Zaman, A big appeal for LBW, but turned down! Good length, on middle and leg, shapes in a bit. Fakhar Zaman gets stuck in his crease and misses his flick to get hit on the back pad. Charith Asalanka gets convinced by his bowler and keeper to go for the review. UltraEdge confirms no bat involved but Ball Tracking shows that it has pitched outisde leg. Sri Lanka burn both reviews now!

Janith Liyanage to Fakhar Zaman, Back of a length and outside off, keeps low, Fakhar Zaman tries to cut it away but it goes under his bat.

Powerplay 2! Now four fielders are allowed outside the inner ring till the 40th over. Sri Lanka will be very happy with how things went in the first ten overs. Also, Janith Liyanage to bowl now.

Maheesh Theekshana to Babar Azam, Short, on off. Babar Azam rocks back to punch it to point for no runs.

Maheesh Theekshana to Babar Azam, Flat and much fuller, on off and middle. Babar Azam eases it down the track.

Maheesh Theekshana to Babar Azam, Pitches it up, on off. Babar Azam drives it but fails to find the gap around the cover region.

Maheesh Theekshana to Babar Azam, Floated, on off. Babar Azam drives it to cover.

Maheesh Theekshana to Babar Azam, FOUR! Excellent shot from Babar Azam! Maheesh Theekshana jogs from over the wicket and bowls short, just outside off. Babar Azam hangs back and cuts it hard through the point region for a boundary.

Maheesh Theekshana to Babar Azam, Tossed up, on off. Babar Azam defends it back to the bowler.

Asitha Fernando to Fakhar Zaman, Short, outside off. Fakhar Zaman guides it to gully.

Asitha Fernando to Fakhar Zaman, On a length, wide outside off. Fakhar Zaman punches it to cover.

Asitha Fernando to Fakhar Zaman, WIDE! A slower one, but sprays it down the leg side. Fakhar Zaman makes a leave.

Asitha Fernando to Fakhar Zaman, FOUR! Much-needed boundary for the Men in Green! Asitha pitches it up on middle and shapes it a bit away. Fakhar Zaman reads the delivery well and he clears his front foot to heave it toward the far right to the deep fine leg fence to get the boundary.

Asitha Fernando to Fakhar Zaman, On a length, on leg. Fakhar Zaman works it to mid-wicket.

Asitha Fernando to Fakhar Zaman, Pitches it up, just outside off. Fakhar Zaman looks to punch it away, but ends up hitting it a bit early. The ball bumps and goes straight to the bowler. Fernando makes a half stop, and the ball bounces off toward the off side.

Asitha Fernando to Babar Azam, Good-length delivery, on off and middle, angling it in. Babar Azam nudges it to wide of mid on for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Babar Azam, Full-length delivery, on off and middle. Babar Azam drives it neatly to long on for one run.

Maheesh Theekshana to Fakhar Zaman, Tossed up, on off. Fakhar Zaman pushes it to long off for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Babar Azam, Pitches it up, on the stumps. Babar Azam flicks it to wide long on and gets the single. Babar Azam finally opens his account!

Maheesh Theekshana to Babar Azam, Loopy, on middle and leg. Babar Azam tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Maheesh Theekshana to Fakhar Zaman, Pitches it up, on middle, angling in. Fakhar Zaman clips it to square leg for a single. A single from Pakistan after 21 dot deliveries!

Maheesh Theekshana to Fakhar Zaman, Maheesh Theekshana jogs from 'round the wicket and bowls fuller on off and middle. Fakhar Zaman looks to work it across the line, but gets the leading edge and the ball rolls toward the off side.

Time for some spin now as Maheesh Theekshana comes into the attack now.

Asitha Fernando to Babar Azam, Another excellent over from Sri Lanka! Third consecutive maiden from the Lankan bowlers! This one is fuller, pitching just outside off and zagging in a bit. Babar Azam, with no such footwork, looks to defend to his front but misses on the outside edge.

Asitha Fernando to Babar Azam, Good-length delivery, just outside off. Babar Azam punches it to point.

Asitha Fernando to Babar Azam, Fuller, around off. Babar Azam defends to the cover region.

Asitha Fernando to Babar Azam, Hard-length delivery, on off. Babar Azam pushes it to mid off.

Asitha Fernando to Babar Azam, Pitches it up, on off. Babar Azam knocks it to cover.

Asitha Fernando to Babar Azam, Exceptional bowling from Asitha Fernando! He bowls back of a length, pitching it just outside off and nips it away from the batter. Babar Azam rocks back and looks to block it to his front as he thinks the ball will shape in and attack his body, but misses on the outside edge because of the swing.

Dushmantha Chameera to Fakhar Zaman, Maiden over from Dushmantha Chameera! Pitches it up, outside off. Fakhar Zaman takes a bit more aggressive intent and he punches the delivery, but once again finds the mid off fielder.

Dushmantha Chameera to Fakhar Zaman, Full-length delivery, outside off, around the seventh stump. Fakhar Zaman punches it to the cover fielder.

Dushmantha Chameera to Fakhar Zaman, A bit fuller, outside off, Fakhar Zaman reaches out for it and bunts it towards short cover.

Dushmantha Chameera to Fakhar Zaman, On a length, outside off. Fakhar Zaman lets it travel to the keeper.

Dushmantha Chameera to Fakhar Zaman, Pitches it up, wide outside off. Fakhar Zaman looks to drive it away but closes his willow and the ball rolls down the pitch for no runs.

Dushmantha Chameera to Fakhar Zaman, Pitches it up, on off. Fakhar Zaman drills it but straight to the short extra cover fielder.

Asitha Fernando to Babar Azam, Fullish, outside off. Babar Azam shoulder arms the delivery.

Asitha Fernando to Babar Azam, On a length, around off. Babar Azam steers it toward point.

Asitha Fernando to Babar Azam, Pitches it up, on off. Babar Azam knocks it to off side.

Asitha Fernando to Babar Azam, Another beauty from Fernando! Things are just heating up between the two Asian giants! Back of a length, pitching it just outside off and nips it back to the right-hander Babar Azam lunges to block it to his front but gets squared up as the ball zips past the outside edge. It was not far away from the off pole and goes on the bounce to the keeper.

Asitha Fernando to Babar Azam, On a length, on middle and leg. Babar Azam nudges it to mid-wicket.

Babar Azam walks out to bat at number 3.

Asitha Fernando to Saim Ayub, OUT! LBW! Asitha Fernando gets a much-deserved wicket. Huge appeal from the Lankans and this time, Fernando even started sprinting to celebrate while appealing, but the umpire still isn't convinced! Charith Asalanka opts for the review right away! Coming to the delivery, this is much fuller, just behind the yorker length. Saim Ayub prods halfway and looks to flick it away but misses the connection and the ball hits his boots. At first, it seems like the ball hits the bottom edge, but the UltraEdge confirms that there is no involvement of bat and the Ball Tracking pops up and shows the impact is in line and the ball is hitting the base of the middle stump. Excellent review from Sri Lanka and Pakistan lose their first wicket!

Dushmantha Chameera to Fakhar Zaman, Back of a length, on off. Fakhar Zaman pushes it down the pitch.

Dushmantha Chameera to Fakhar Zaman, On a length, around the pads of the batter. Fakhar Zaman flicks it to sqaure leg for no run.

Dushmantha Chameera to Saim Ayub, Fullish, on middle and off. Saim Ayub drives it to the left of the bowler, down the ground. The fielder at the mid on region backtracks, slides and cuts it off. Three runs take,

Dushmantha Chameera to Saim Ayub, Oh... this is a beauty from Chameera! Back-of-a-length delivery, pitching it on off and shaping it away with a bit of outswing. Saim Ayub takes a step across the stump and looks to dab it toward the off side, but gets beaten on the outer edge.

Dushmantha Chameera to Saim Ayub, Pitches it up, on middle. Saim Ayub drives to mid on.

Dushmantha Chameera to Saim Ayub, On a length, around off. Saim Ayub blocks it to the ground.

Asitha Fernando to Fakhar Zaman, FOUR! The first boundary of the inning and it comes from the blade of Fakhar Zaman! Good-length delivery, on middle and leg. Fakhar Zaman tickles it away toward the left of the deep fine leg fielder to get four runs.

Asitha Fernando to Fakhar Zaman, Back of a length, outside off. Fakhar Zaman punches it to cover.

Asitha Fernando to Fakhar Zaman, Short of a length, on middle and leg. Fakhar Zaman hangs back to offer a pull shot, but the ball climbs big on his and beats the outer edge.

Asitha Fernando to Fakhar Zaman, Juicy full toss on middle and leg. Fakhar Zaman connects the flick this time, but straight to the fielder in sqaure leg.

Asitha Fernando to Fakhar Zaman, WIDE! On a length, spraying down the leg side. Fakhar Zaman misses the glance, but Pakistan gets the bonus run.

Asitha Fernando to Fakhar Zaman, Much fuller, pitching it just outside leg. Zaman misses the tuck on his front foot and hits the pad. Appeal goes round once again, but the ball has clearly pitched outside leg.

Asitha Fernando to Saim Ayub, A confident appeal from the Lankans, but the umpire remains unmoved! Charith Asalanka has a word with Chameera and opts for the review. This is back of a length, around leg. Saim Ayub looks to clip it away but gets beaten on the inner edge and wears on the pad. The UltraEdge shows no bat involvement and the Ball Tracking indicates that the ball has pitched outside leg. Sri Lanka lost their first review.

Dushmantha Chameera to Fakhar Zaman, Pitches it up, around the pads of the batter. Fakhar Zaman attempts to clip it away but misses and hits the pad.

Dushmantha Chameera to Fakhar Zaman, Good-length delivery, on middle and off. Fakhar Zaman blocks it right under his eyes.

Dushmantha Chameera to Saim Ayub, Fuller, wide outside off. Saim Ayub pushes it from the outer part of his bat toward deep backward point for a single.

Dushmantha Chameera to Saim Ayub, Pitches it up, angling it wide outside off. Saim Ayub leans on the delivery to drive it away, through covers, but gets a thick inner edge. The ball rolls away toward deep square leg and the batter gets a couple of runs.

Dushmantha Chameera to Saim Ayub, Back of a length, on middle. Saim Ayub opens the face of the willow and steers it backward point.

Dushmantha Chameera to Fakhar Zaman, Tap and a single! On a length on middle and leg. Fakhar Zaman pushes it wide of mid on and gets a single.

Dushmantha Chameera to share the attack.

Asitha Fernando to Saim Ayub, Asitha Fernando pulls his length slightly back, just outside off. Saim Ayub dabs it toward the off side.

Asitha Fernando to Saim Ayub, Huge appeal for LBW but the umpire remains unmoved! Pitches it up, on leg and nips it inward. Saim Ayub looks to flick it away but gets a slight inner edge and wears on his pad.

Asitha Fernando to Saim Ayub, Fullish, on leg and middle. Saim Ayub with yet another watchful push toward mid on.

Asitha Fernando to Saim Ayub, Pitches it up, on middle, angling it away, but jags it back to the left-hander. Saim Ayub blocks it toward the left of the bowler.

Asitha Fernando to Saim Ayub, Full-length delivery, on middle. Saim Ayub plants his front foot toward the delivery and drives it to the wide mid on fielder for no run.

Asitha Fernando to Fakhar Zaman, A little bit of inward movement to start the inning! Asitha Fernando steams from over the stumps and delivers it fuller, on middle, swings it in. Fakhar Zaman flicks it to deep fine and gets a single to get off the mark. Pakistan are underway!

All in readiness now! Pakistan are hosting Sri Lanka in an ODI series after 6 years. The crowd has come in numbers for this first game. We can now see the Lankan players spread out and take their respective field positions. Fakhar Zaman and ​​​​Saim Ayub are the two openers for the Men in Green. Asitha Fernando has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play....

We are moments away from the start of the game, but before that, the players from both sides make their way out to the middle and line up for the respective national anthems. It will be Sri Lanka's first followed by that of Pakistan.

Mike Hesson, the Head Coach of Pakistan, is up for a quick chat. He says that he is pleased with the performance of the team as they recently won the series against the Proteas. Adds that they are trying to be better each day, as they have to work a lot to be at the top in ODIs. Ends up by saying that the track for this game looks a bit balance than the usual Rawalpindi wicket.

PITCH REPORT - Waqar Younis is along side the pitch with his insights. He reckons that the pitch looks great, and despite not relying on stats, he notes that 336 has been successfully chased here. He believes it's a pitch where you'd want to chase, given its history of big scores. The grass and cracks might play a role in the early overs, but after that, it should be a batting-friendly surface. He also mentions that the pitch might be slow initially, but under the lights with dew, hitting through the line should become easier.

Shaheen Afridi, the captain of Pakistan, says that they would have liked to bowl first as well due to the few. Adds that this is a high-scoring ground and they have to bat well. Says that Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Wasim are not feeling well.

Charith Asalanka, skipper of Sri Lanka, says that it's a decent pitch but dew might come later in the innings, therefore they have opted to bowl first. Says that Wanindu Hasaranga returns to the ODI side and Kamil Mishara will make his debut in this game.

Pakistan (Playing XI) - Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Salman Agha, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi (C), Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah.

Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara (On Debut), Kusal Mendis (WK), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (C), Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando.

TOSS - Sri Lanka have won the toss and elected to BOWL first.

The series opener couldn't get more exciting, as Pakistan will aim for a commanding series victory, but the Lankans are in formidable form as well. The weather is sunny and warm, most ideal for a game of cricket. So get ready folks, as the action will begin in no time. Till then, stay tuned for toss and team updates!

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, enter with confidence of their own, having enjoyed a positive run this year with seven wins in ten ODIs according to recent stats. Charith Asalanka and Pathum Nissanka have been among the main batting threats, while Asitha Fernando and Wanindu Hasaranga bring punch to their bowling attack. Sri Lanka will aim to play a fearless top-order, disrupt Pakistan’s rhythm early, and use their spin-battery to challenge the home side.

Pakistan will arrive with momentum and some standout performers. Fresh from a 2-1 series win over the Proteas, the Men in Green have their batting in decent shape with Salman Agha and Saim Ayub emerging as sharp operators in the white-ball format. Abrar Ahmed has been leading the spin attack effectively. Pakistan will be high in confidence and will look forward to starting the first encounter of the series on a high note.

Hello and welcome to all the cricket fans joining us for the build-up of today's matchup! Today kicks off the first of the three-match ODI series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The stadium is all set to offer a high-stakes contest as Pakistan looks to extend home dominance, and Sri Lanka seeks to assert themselves on foreign soil.

... MATCHDAY ...

A fresh chapter of subcontinental rivalry is set to unfold in Rawalpindi, where Pakistan and Sri Lanka lock horns in the first ODI of what promises to be a gripping three-match series. Pakistan come in high on confidence after a 2-1 triumph over South Africa at home, but not without concerns - Babar Azam’s lean patch continues as he has now gone 82 innings without an international century, while Mohammad Rizwan too has struggled for consistency. Yet, the form of Saim Ayub, Mohammad Nawaz, and Salman Agha offers reassurance, each having chipped in with crucial runs in recent outings. The pace trio of Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah are back operating together, and their early breakthroughs could define Pakistan’s rhythm in the series. Adding to that, Abrar Ahmed’s spin threat gives the bowling attack a dangerous edge in the middle overs, while Faheem Ashraf’s ability to chip in with key wickets, along with handy runs down the order, and Hussain Talat’s explosive lower-order hitting add balance and depth to the side, making Pakistan a formidable outfit at home. For Sri Lanka, it’s a return to ODI cricket after nearly three months, and they’ll need to find their feet quickly in these conditions. Charith Asalanka’s leadership, along with Wanindu Hasaranga’s all-round brilliance, will be pivotal in shaping their fortunes. Pathum Nissanka, in sublime touch over the past couple of years, holds the key at the top, while Kusal and Kamindu Mendis add much-needed solidity in the middle order. The pace pairing of Asitha Fernando and Dushmantha Chameera brings control and aggression, and Maheesh Theekshana’s mystery spin could be the X-factor. Pakistan lead the overall head-to-head comfortably with 93 wins in 157 ODIs, including a 2-0 home series triumph when the Lankans last visited here in 2019, and the hosts will be eager to repeat history, while Sri Lanka will look to flip the script this time around. Whose side are you on?