Pakistan began their ODI tri-series campaign with a 37-run victory over Sri Lanka after captain Salman Ali Agha produced an outstanding century at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on October 18. His 107 off 90 balls helped Pakistan post 305 all out, before the hosts’ pace attack bowled Sri Lanka out for 268 in 48.1 overs.
The result gave Pakistan a winning start in the three-team competition, which also features England. Salman’s innings proved decisive after Pakistan lost early wickets, while Shaheen Shah Afridi led a strong bowling performance to secure the victory.
Salman Ali Agha Rescues Pakistan After Early Wickets
Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis won the toss and chose to field, hoping to put Pakistan under pressure with the new ball. The decision initially paid off as Dilshan Madushanka dismissed Saim Ayub for seven and Fakhar Zaman for 16.
With Pakistan facing an early challenge, Babar Azam and debutant Saad Baig helped steady the innings. Babar contributed 45 from 57 deliveries, while Saad added a valuable 39 off 40 balls. Their efforts provided a platform, but Pakistan still needed a substantial contribution from the middle order.
Salman supplied exactly that. Batting with composure and attacking intent, he took responsibility for rebuilding the innings and kept the scoreboard moving. His 107 included 10 fours and one six, making him Pakistan’s leading scorer.
He reached his century in the 45th over and eventually fell to Asitha Fernando, caught by Dasun Shanaka at long-on. Salman’s fourth ODI century helped Pakistan recover from a difficult start and move towards a competitive total.
Hasan Nawaz supported him with 37 runs, while Arafat Minhas scored 18. However, Sri Lanka fought back in the closing overs, restricting Pakistan to 26 runs for their final four wickets. Eshan Malinga finished with four wickets for 46 runs, and Asitha Fernando claimed three for 59.
Pakistan were eventually dismissed for 305 in 49.5 overs, leaving Sri Lanka a target of 306.
Sri Lanka Build Hope Through a Strong Partnership
Sri Lanka’s chase did not begin smoothly. Pakistan’s fast bowlers struck early, with Naseem Shah removing Avishka Fernando and Faheem Ashraf dismissing Kusal Mendis. Shaheen Afridi then made further inroads as Sri Lanka slipped to 91 for four.
Kamindu Mendis scored 44 from 50 balls, but Sri Lanka needed a major partnership to remain in contention. Pavan Rathnayake and Janith Liyanage delivered one, adding 119 runs for the fifth wicket and briefly putting pressure back on the hosts.
Rathnayake scored 79 off 74 deliveries, including six fours and two sixes. Liyanage contributed 60 from 74 balls, striking five fours. Their partnership gave Sri Lanka a realistic chance of chasing down the target.
The visitors required 96 runs from the final 13 overs when Faheem Ashraf dismissed Rathnayake. That breakthrough changed the momentum of the innings.
Pakistan’s Fast Bowlers Finish the Job
Once the fifth-wicket partnership ended, Pakistan’s bowlers regained control. Sri Lanka lost five wickets for just 15 runs as the lower order struggled to handle the pressure.
Shaheen Afridi finished with three wickets for 55 runs, while Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Faheem Ashraf took two wickets apiece. Pakistan’s fast bowlers claimed all 10 Sri Lankan wickets, completing the innings at 268 in 48.1 overs.
Salman Ali Agha was named Player of the Match for his match-winning century. His performance was particularly important because Pakistan had been under pressure early in their innings, and his contribution gave the bowlers a total they could defend.
Pakistan Turn Attention to England
The victory gives Pakistan early momentum in a tri-series that offers valuable ODI preparation. Salman’s innings highlighted the importance of middle-order stability, while the bowling performance demonstrated how quickly a match can turn when a key partnership is broken.
Pakistan’s next challenge is England, with the two sides scheduled to meet in Rawalpindi on October 20. Sri Lanka will also face England as the tournament continues.
For Pakistan, the opening result provides encouragement, but consistency will be essential across the remaining matches. Salman’s century and the pace attack’s late surge have given the hosts a strong start to build on.
