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New Delhi: Pakistan made a brilliant start to the three-match ODI series in Rawalpindi defeating Sri Lanka by 6 runs in the first match. Salman Aghas unbeaten 105 runs and Haris Raufs lethal bowling (4 wickets) guided Pakistan to this thrilling victory. In a match that went down to the wire Sri Lanka were restricted to 293/9 while Pakistan posted a challenging score of 299/5. Salman Aghas century anchors Pakistans innings Batting first Pakistan had a shaky start. Saim Ayub (6) and Fakhar Zaman (32) departed early. After the dismissals of captain Babar Azam (29) and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan (5) the score was 95/4.It was then that Salman Agha took charge. Showing a perfect blend of composure and aggression he scored an unbeaten 105 runs off 87 balls including 9 fours. Hussain Talat and Nawazs explosive partnership Salman was brilliantly supported by Hussain Talat (62 runs off 63 balls). Their 138-run partnership strengthened Pakistans innings.Finally Mohammad Nawaz (36 not out off 23 balls) added quick runs to take the team to 299/5.For Sri Lanka Wanindu Hasaranga was the most successful bowler taking 3 wickets for 54 runs. Sri Lankas quick start but Raufs storm Chasing the target Sri Lanka got off to a flying start. Kamil Mishara (38) and Pathum Nissanka (29) added 85 runs for the first wicket.But then Haris Rauf turned the match around. He dismissed Mishara Kusal Mendis (0) and Nissanka cheaply breaking the back of the Sri Lankan batting lineup. Hasarangas fighting innings but victory eluded them Sadeera Samarawickrama (39) Charith Asalanka (32) and Wanindu Hasaranga (59) fought hard. Hasaranga kept Sri Lankas hopes alive until the end with 59 runs off 52 balls including 7 fours but Naseem Shah (2/55) and Faheem Ashraf (2/49) bowled tightly in the final overs to secure the victory for Pakistan. Match Heroes Salman Agha – 105* (87): Match-winning century Hussain Talat – 62 (63): Stabilizing innings Haris Rauf – 4/61 (10 overs): Game-changing bowler Wanindu Hasaranga – 59 (52) & 3/54: Heroic performance in a losing cause Story Highlights Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by 6 runs Salman Agha scored an unbeaten 105 runs Haris Rauf took 4 wickets to turn the match around Wanindu Hasarangas all-round performance went in vain