RAWALPINDI:Salman Ali Agha struck a commanding century before Pakistan’s bowlers delivered at crucial moments to secure a 37-run victory over Sri Lanka in the opening match of the Pakistan-England-Sri Lanka ODI Tri-Series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on October 18.
Pakistan, asked to bat first, were bowled out for 305 in 49.5 overs. Sri Lanka’s chase ended at 268 in 48.1 overs, leaving the visitors short of their target of 306.
Salman Ali Agha anchors Pakistan’s innings
Salman Ali Agha led Pakistan’s batting effort with 107 off 90 balls, providing the innings with its most substantial contribution. Babar Azam added 45 off 57 deliveries, while Saad Baig scored 39 off 40 balls to help Pakistan build their total.
Hasan Nawaz also made a useful contribution with 37, giving Pakistan further momentum through the middle overs. Arafat Minhas added 18 as the hosts moved past the 300-run mark.
However, Pakistan lost their final five wickets for only 26 runs, preventing them from finishing with an even bigger total.
Sri Lanka’s Eshan Malinga was the standout bowler, claiming four wickets for 46 runs in 9.5 overs. Asitha Fernando took three wickets, while Dilshan Madushanka finished with two.
Rathnayake and Liyanage lead Sri Lanka’s response
Sri Lanka needed a strong start to their chase but were unable to maintain the required momentum throughout the innings. Pavan Rathnayake produced a determined 79 off 74 balls, striking six fours and two sixes.
Janith Liyanage contributed 60 from 74 deliveries, offering resistance through the middle overs. Kamindu Mendis added 44 off 50 balls, while Dasun Shanaka scored 28 from just 18 deliveries in a late attempt to accelerate the chase.
Despite these contributions, Sri Lanka continued to lose wickets and were eventually dismissed for 268 with 11 balls remaining in their innings.
Pakistan’s bowlers close out the match
Shaheen Shah Afridi led Pakistan’s attack with three wickets for 55 runs from 10 overs. Naseem Shah claimed two wickets for 43, while Haris Rauf also took two, finishing with figures of 2 for 48 in 9.1 overs.
Faheem Ashraf supported the pace attack with two wickets for 49 runs. The combined effort ensured that Sri Lanka could not turn their individual batting contributions into a successful chase.
Pakistan’s ability to take wickets at key stages proved decisive, particularly as Sri Lanka attempted to build partnerships and increase the scoring rate.
Pakistan begin the tri-series with a win
The 37-run victory gives Pakistan a positive start to the ODI tri-series, which also features England. Salman Ali Agha’s century provided the foundation with the bat, while the bowling unit completed the job by dismissing the opposition before the end of the 50-over limit.
For Sri Lanka, Rathnayake and Liyanage offered encouraging resistance, but the side could not sustain its chase of 306.
Result: Pakistan won by 37 runs.
Top performers
Salman Ali Agha (Pakistan): 107 off 90 balls
Pavan Rathnayake (Sri Lanka): 79 off 74 balls
Eshan Malinga (Sri Lanka): 4/46
Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan): 3/55
