Pakistan Beat Sri Lanka by 37 Runs: Salman Ali Agha’s Comeback Century and Pace Surge Power Rawalpindi Tri-Series Win

Rawalpindi, Pakistan — Pakistan 🇵🇰 opened their home One-Day International (ODI) tri-series in commanding fashion on Sunday night, securing a hard-fought 37-run victory over Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The triumph was built upon a sparkling comeback century from Salman Ali Agha and sealed by a ruthless, unified assault from the hosts’ frontline pace attack that swept all ten opposition wickets.

Returning to international duties following a dominant domestic campaign, the 32-year-old Agha rescued Pakistan from a dangerous middle-order slump. His scintillating 107 off just 90 deliveries—peppered with 10 boundaries and a towering six—lifted Pakistan to a defendable 305 all out in 49.5 overs, setting the stage for a fiery pace defense under heavy nighttime dew.

• Match: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 1st ODI (Tri-Series Opener)
• Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
• Result: Pakistan won by 37 runs (PAK 305 in 49.5 ov; SL 268 in 48.1 ov)
• Player of the Match: Salman Ali Agha (107 off 90 balls)
• Next Fixture: Pakistan vs England at Rawalpindi (Tuesday · 2:45 PM NPT)

Salman Ali Agha Rescues Pakistan as Babar Crosses 16,000 Runs

Put in to bat after Sri Lanka skipper Kusal Mendis won the toss, Pakistan endured immediate trouble under the early swing of Dilshan Madushanka (2/67), who dismissed openers Saim Ayub (7) and Fakhar Zaman (16) inside the opening powerplay. However, seasoned anchor Babar Azam and 19-year-old debutant wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig calmly rebuilt the innings with a composed 74-run third-wicket alliance.

During his polished 45 off 57 deliveries, Babar crossed a monumental career milestone, becoming only the fifth Pakistani batsman in history to accumulate 16,000 international runs across all formats. Youngster Baig showed maturity beyond his years with a brisk 39 off 40 balls before Sri Lankan seamer Eshan Malinga (career-best 4/46) struck twice in the 22nd over to leave the hosts teetering at 118/4.

Undeterred by the double setback, Salman Ali Agha seized complete command of the contest. He combined with Hasan Nawaz (37 off 49 balls) for a counter-attacking 97-run partnership off 94 deliveries, repeatedly dismantling Sri Lanka’s spin and medium-pace options. Agha subsequently added 64 runs alongside Arafat Minhas (18) to register his fourth career ODI century in just 82 balls. Although Malinga and Asitha Fernando (3/59) engineered a late lower-order collapse—claiming Pakistan’s last five wickets for 26 runs—the total of 305 gave the hosts crucial scoreboard leverage.

Sri Lanka Fightback Thwarted as Pakistan Fast Bowlers Claim All 10 Wickets

Sri Lanka’s pursuit began under demanding conditions, with evening dew making ball handling and reverse swing tricky for bowlers. Pakistan’s pace barrage struck promptly, with captain Shaheen Shah Afridi (3/55), Naseem Shah (2/43), and Faheem Ashraf (2/49) reducing Sri Lanka to 91/4 by the 20th over despite a punchy 44 from opener Kamindu Mendis.

Just as the game appeared to be slipping away from the visitors, Pavan Rathnayake (79 off 74 balls, with six boundaries and two sixes) and Janith Liyanage (60 off 74 balls) mounted a courageous resistance. The duo forged a sparkling 119-run fifth-wicket partnership, dragging Sri Lanka within touching distance and trimming the target to 96 runs required from the final 13 overs.

The decisive breakthrough arrived in the 38th over when Faheem Ashraf produced a sharp bouncer that cramped Rathnayake, inducing a top-edge safely pouched by Baig. Ashraf’s breakthrough unleashed an unrelenting pace blitz: Pakistan’s quicks snared Sri Lanka’s final five wickets for just 15 runs. Fast bowler Haris Rauf (2/48) ripped through the tail to wrap up Sri Lanka for 268 in 48.1 overs, handing Pakistan a deserved 37-run win.

Match Summary & Key Takeaways

• Batting Dominance: Salman Ali Agha’s fourth ODI hundred (107 off 90) proved the difference between the two sides.
• Pace Clean Sweep: Shaheen (3/55), Naseem (2/43), Faheem (2/49), and Rauf (2/48) shared all ten wickets, underlining Pakistan’s fast-bowling pedigree.
• Sri Lankan Resilience: Pavan Rathnayake’s 79 and Eshan Malinga’s 4/46 provided bright individual positives despite the loss.

The opening victory provides Pakistan vital momentum ahead of their heavyweight clash against England on Tuesday in Rawalpindi, while Sri Lanka will look to regroup before their next outing in the triangular tournament.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What was the final score in Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI?

Pakistan scored 305 all out in 49.5 overs and bowled out Sri Lanka for 268 in 48.1 overs at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, winning by 37 runs.

Who won the Player of the Match award?

Salman Ali Agha took home the Player of the Match honors for his heroic 107 off 90 balls.

What historic milestone did Babar Azam achieve in this match?

Babar Azam crossed 16,000 career international runs across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is during his 45-run innings.

When will Pakistan play their next match?

Pakistan host England at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, October 20, starting at 2:45 PM NPT (2:00 PM PKT).