Rawalpindi: Salman Ali Agha scored 107 off 90 balls as Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by 37 runs in the opening match of the ODI tri-series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday. Pakistan posted 305 before being bowled out in 49.5 overs. Their fast bowlers then restricted Sri Lanka to 268 in 48.1 overs.
Salman’s century proved crucial in a match where the momentum shifted several times. Sri Lanka’s bowlers made regular breakthroughs, but Pakistan still managed to put up a competitive total.
Eshan Malinga took four wickets for Sri Lanka, while Asitha Fernando claimed three. Despite their efforts, Salman’s innings helped Pakistan reach a total that proved difficult to chase.
Salman Agha Leads Pakistan’s Recovery
Pakistan made a positive start through Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub, but both openers fell inside the first six overs. The hosts were reduced to 32/2 after 5.5 overs.
Babar Azam scored 45 off 57 balls and Saad Baig added 39 off 40 balls. The pair shared a 74-run partnership for the third wicket before Sri Lanka struck twice in quick succession.
Salman then combined with Hasan Nawaz to steady the innings. Their 97-run stand for the fifth wicket helped Pakistan move towards a strong total. Hasan contributed 37 runs, while Salman continued to score at a brisk pace.
Pakistan appeared well placed at 279/6 but lost their remaining wickets quickly. They were eventually bowled out for 305 in 49.5 overs.
Rathnayake and Liyanage Keep Sri Lanka in the Chase
Sri Lanka struggled early in their chase. Naseem Shah dismissed Avishka Fernando in the sixth over, while Kamindu Mendis scored 44 off 50 balls. Captain Kusal Mendis managed only 13 off 31 balls before falling, leaving the visitors at 91/4 in 19.3 overs.
Pavan Rathnayake and Janith Liyanage brought Sri Lanka back into the contest with a 119-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Rathnayake scored 79, while Liyanage made 60. Their stand raised hopes of a successful chase.
However, Faheem Ashraf dismissed Rathnayake and Haris Rauf removed Liyanage, shifting the game back in Pakistan’s favour.
Dasun Shanaka added 28 off 18 balls, but Shaheen Afridi dismissed him before Pakistan’s bowlers wrapped up the innings. Sri Lanka were all out for 268 in 48.1 overs.
Pakistan’s Fast Bowlers Seal the Win
Shaheen Afridi led Pakistan’s bowling attack with three wickets for 55 runs. Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Faheem Ashraf took two wickets each to prevent Sri Lanka from completing the chase.
The 37-run victory gives Pakistan an opening win in the tri-series, which also features England.
Brief Scores
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Pakistan: 305 all out in 49.5 overs (Salman Ali Agha 107, Babar Azam 45; Eshan Malinga 4/46, Asitha Fernando 3/59)
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Sri Lanka: 268 all out in 48.1 overs (Pavan Rathnayake 79, Janith Liyanage 60; Shaheen Afridi 3/55, Naseem Shah 2/43)
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Result: Pakistan won by 37 runs.