Salman Ali Agha Century Leads Pakistan to 37-Run Win Over Sri Lanka

Pakistan opened the 2026 ODI Tri-Series with a 37-run victory over Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi on Sunday, propelled by a resilient century from Salman Ali Agha. After being reduced to 118-4, Pakistan recovered to post a total of 305 before dismissing Sri Lanka for 268 in the 49th over.

Salman Agha’s 107 off 90 deliveries anchored the innings. His innings, which featured 10 boundaries and one six, anchored two vital middle-order stands: a 97-run partnership with Hasan Nawaz and a subsequent 64-run association with Arafat Minhas.

Malinga’s Career-Best Effort

Despite the eventual loss, Sri Lankan pacer Eshan Malinga recorded career-best figures of 4-46 across 9.5 overs. Malinga provided critical breakthroughs for the visitors, including the early wicket of Babar Azam. He also claimed the wicket of 19-year-old debutant Saad Baig, who impressed with a composed 39 off 40 balls before falling to the young seamer.

Sri Lanka’s response began tentatively, but the chase appeared well-positioned during a 119-run sixth-wicket partnership between Pavan Rathnayake and Janith Liyanage. Rathnayake top-scored for Sri Lanka with 79, while Liyanage contributed 60, as the pair effectively managed the middle overs despite heavy dew in Rawalpindi making conditions difficult for the fielding side.

Late Collapse Seals Pakistan Win

The match turned decisively in the closing stages. Once the Rathnayake-Liyanage partnership was broken, Sri Lanka suffered a dramatic collapse, losing their final five wickets for just 15 runs. Shaheen Shah Afridi, captaining the Pakistan side, led the bowling attack with 3-55, ensuring the visitors could not capitalize on their middle-order momentum.

The result gives Pakistan an early lead in the ODI Tri-Series standings. The tournament, which also includes England, continues on Tuesday, October 20, when Pakistan faces the English side at the same venue.

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