Pakistan Make Winning Start to ODI Tri-Series as Salman Agha’s Century Powers 37-Run Victory Over Sri Lanka

Salman Agha leads a commanding batting display with a superb 107 before Shaheen Shah Afridi spearheads Pakistan’s bowling attack to seal a convincing win in Rawalpindi.

Hamid Khan Wazir

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan launched their ODI tri-series campaign in emphatic fashion on Sunday, defeating Sri Lanka by 37 runs at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium after a commanding century from Salman Agha and a disciplined bowling performance led by captain Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Batting first after Sri Lanka elected to field, Pakistan posted a competitive 305 in 49.5 overs, built around Salman Agha’s magnificent 107 off 90 balls. Sri Lanka fought back through several valuable contributions but were eventually dismissed for 268 in 48.1 overs, handing Pakistan two points and an encouraging start to the series.

Salman Agha’s magnificent century anchors Pakistan’s innings

Pakistan’s innings began with early setbacks as Dilshan Madushanka dismissed Saim Ayub for seven and Fakhar Zaman for 16, leaving the hosts under pressure. Babar Azam and debutant Saad Baig then steadied the innings with contributions of 45 and 39 respectively, helping Pakistan rebuild after the early losses.

The innings gathered momentum through a crucial partnership between Salman Agha and Hasan Nawaz. Agha combined composure with attacking intent, striking 10 fours and a six in a superb knock that kept Pakistan on course for a challenging total. Hasan Nawaz supported him with 37 off 49 balls, providing valuable stability during the middle overs.

Agha reached his century off 82 balls and continued to accelerate before departing for 107. His innings proved decisive in lifting Pakistan beyond the 300-run mark. Arafat Minhas added a brisk 18, while Shaheen Shah Afridi remained unbeaten on 13 as Pakistan were bowled out on the final ball of their innings.

Sri Lanka’s Eshan Malinga was the most successful bowler, claiming four wickets for 46 runs, while Asitha Fernando took three wickets.

Sri Lanka fight back but Pakistan maintain control

Chasing 306, Sri Lanka lost Avishka Fernando early but recovered through contributions from Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake. Kamindu scored 44, while Rathnayake delivered an aggressive 79 off 74 balls, keeping the visitors in contention during the middle overs.

Janith Liyanage further strengthened the chase with a determined 60 off 74 deliveries. His partnership with Rathnayake brought Sri Lanka back into the contest, but Pakistan’s bowlers struck at crucial moments to prevent the visitors from building a match-winning stand.

Shaheen Shah Afridi led from the front, claiming three wickets for 55 runs and providing key breakthroughs. Naseem Shah also delivered an economical spell, taking two wickets for 43, while Haris Rauf picked up two wickets for 48. Faheem Ashraf contributed two important dismissals, including those of Kusal Mendis and Rathnayake.

The decisive phase came as Sri Lanka lost wickets in quick succession after reaching 253 for five. Pakistan’s bowlers capitalised on the pressure, dismissing the remaining batters and wrapping up the innings at 268 in 48.1 overs.

A promising start for Pakistan

The victory showcased Pakistan’s ability to recover from early batting setbacks, build a substantial total and defend it through timely breakthroughs. Salman Agha’s century provided the foundation, while Shaheen and the supporting bowlers ensured Sri Lanka could not complete the chase.

Pakistan collected two points from the opening match of the tri-series, giving the hosts a positive platform for the challenges ahead. The combination of middle-order resilience, late-innings runs and a coordinated bowling effort offered plenty of encouragement as the tournament got underway in Rawalpindi.

With a convincing 37-run victory secured, Pakistan will look to carry this momentum into their next fixture and build on an all-round performance that delivered a strong opening statement in the ODI tri-series.