OCT.19 (Mirror Sports) - Pakistan opened their tri-series campaign with a 37-run victory over Sri Lanka after Salman Agha’s century and a late collapse from the visitors turned the contest in Rawalpindi.
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 were in trouble early after losing their top four wickets. However, Rathnayake and Liyanage revived the innings with a 119-run partnership for the fifth wicket, putting the visitors in a strong position.
Rathnayake scored 79, while Liyanage contributed 60 as Sri Lanka moved within 55 runs of victory with seven overs remaining.
Pakistan responded at the decisive moment. Liyanage’s dismissal triggered a dramatic collapse, with Sri Lanka losing their final five wickets for just 15 runs to be bowled out for 268.
Shaheen Shah Afridi led the Pakistan attack with three wickets for 55 runs, while the pace bowlers maintained the pressure during the closing stages.
Earlier, Salman rescued Pakistan after Sri Lanka’s bowlers made early inroads. Dilshan Madushanka removed both openers, while Eshan Malinga and Asitha Fernando continued to trouble the middle order.
Salman steadied the innings with valuable partnerships, reaching his fourth ODI century and providing 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. However, Pakistan’s bowlers ultimately made the difference, ensuring Salman’s outstanding innings was rewarded with victory.
Pakistan take an early boost from their opening match in the tri-series, which also features England, while Sri Lanka will look to recover after letting a promising chase slip away.