Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 37 runs in the opening match of the One-Day International tri-series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday night. Salman Ali Agha scored a brilliant century as Pakistan defended their total of 305. The fast bowlers then dismissed all 10 Sri Lankan batters to secure victory.
Salman led Pakistan’s batting with 107 runs off 90 balls, earning the Player of the Match award. Babar Azam contributed 45 runs, while debutant Saad Baig scored 39. Hasan Nawaz also played a useful innings of 37 runs as Pakistan reached 305 before losing their final wicket in 49.5 overs.
Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bowl first. Dilshan Madushanka dismissed openers Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub within the first six overs. Saad and Babar then added 74 runs to rebuild the innings. Babar reached 16,000 international runs during his 45-run knock, becoming the fifth Pakistani batter to achieve the milestone.
After Saad and Babar departed, Salman and Hasan formed a crucial partnership. They added 97 runs for the fifth wicket, helping Pakistan recover and build a competitive total. Salman reached his century off 82 balls before Asitha Fernando dismissed him. Eshan Malinga claimed four wickets for 46 runs, while Fernando took three.
Pakistan’s fast bowlers responded strongly during Sri Lanka’s chase. Naseem Shah dismissed Avishka Fernando, while Faheem Ashraf removed captain Kusal Mendis. Shaheen Shah Afridi then dismissed Kamindu Mendis and Sahan Arachchige, leaving Sri Lanka struggling at 91 for four. However, Pavan Rathnayake and Janith Liyanage revived the chase with a 119-run partnership.
Rathnayake scored 79 off 74 balls, while Liyanage made 60 from 74 deliveries. Their partnership reduced Sri Lanka’s target to 96 runs from the final 13 overs. Faheem broke the stand by dismissing Rathnayake, triggering a collapse. Pakistan took five wickets for just 15 runs as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 268 in 48.1 overs.
Shaheen finished with three wickets for 55 runs, while Naseem, Haris Rauf and Faheem claimed two wickets each. Pakistan beat Sri Lanka to begin the tri-series with a victory and will face England on Tuesday. Sri Lanka will meet England on October 22 before the tournament moves to Lahore.
