Salman Ali Agha smashed a century as Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by 37 runs in the opening match of the ODI tri-series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
Salman scored 107 off 90 balls to guide Pakistan to 305 all out in 49.5 overs. Babar Azam contributed 45, while Saad Baig made 39 and Hasan Nawaz added 37. Eshan Malinga led Sri Lanka’s bowling attack with four wickets, supported by Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka.
Chasing 306, Sri Lanka were struggling at 91/4 before Pavan Rathnayake and Janith Liyanage revived their hopes with a 119-run fifth-wicket partnership. Rathnayake scored 79, while Liyanage made 60. However, Pakistan’s fast bowlers turned the contest around. Shaheen Afridi claimed three wickets, while Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Faheem Ashraf took two each.
Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 268 in 48.1 overs. The victory gave Pakistan an early advantage in the tri-series, which also features England.