Pakistan began their tri-series campaign with a 37-run victory over Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi, as Salman Agha’s century and a late collapse by the visitors decided the contest.
Salman scored 107 off 90 balls to guide Pakistan to 305 all out after the hosts had lost four wickets by the 22nd over. Sri Lanka fought back through Pavan Rathnayake and Janith Liyanage, but Pakistan’s pace attack struck at crucial moments to secure the win.
Chasing 306, Sri Lanka suffered an early setback after losing their top four wickets. However, Rathnayake and Liyanage revived the innings with a 119-run partnership for the fifth wicket, bringing the visitors back into contention.
Rathnayake scored 79, while Liyanage contributed 60 as Sri Lanka moved within 55 runs of victory with seven overs remaining.
However, Liyanage’s dismissal triggered a dramatic collapse. Sri Lanka lost their final five wickets for just 15 runs and were bowled out for 268, handing Pakistan a 37-run victory.
Shaheen Shah Afridi led Pakistan’s bowling attack with three wickets for 55 runs, while the pace bowlers maintained the pressure during the closing stages.
Earlier, Salman rescued Pakistan’s innings after Sri Lanka’s bowlers made early breakthroughs. Dilshan Madushanka dismissed both openers, while Eshan Malinga and Asitha Fernando continued to trouble the middle order.
Salman steadied the innings through valuable partnerships, recording his fourth ODI century and laying the foundation for Pakistan’s total. Hasan Nawaz and Arafat Minhas also contributed useful runs before Sri Lanka’s bowlers struck back in the closing overs.
Malinga finished with four wickets for 46 runs, while Asitha claimed three for 59.
Despite Sri Lanka’s strong bowling performance, Pakistan’s bowlers proved decisive, ensuring Salman’s outstanding innings was rewarded with victory.
The win gives Pakistan an early boost in the tri-series, which also features England. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will look to recover after allowing a promising chase to slip away.
