Salman Agha's Century and Pace Blitz Power Pakistan Past Sri Lanka in ODI Tri-Series

RAWALPINDI: A spectacular counter-attacking century from Salman Ali Agha and a dramatic late-innings batting collapse handed Pakistan a thrilling victory in the opening fixture of the ODI Tri-Series. 

In front of a passionate home crowd at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Pakistan won by 37 runs, successfully defending a competitive total after Sri Lanka’s middle-order threatened to spoil the hosts' tournament opener.

Opting to bat first, the Men in Green found themselves in early trouble against a disciplined Sri Lankan bowling attack, with Eshan Malinga (4/46) slicing through the line-up. Top-order wickets fell in quick succession, leaving the hosts desperate for a partnership. Enter Salman Ali Agha. 

The elegant right-hander played the innings of his ODI career, anchoring the side while putting pressure back on the visitors. Agha smashed a masterful 107 off just 90 deliveries, accelerating seamlessly with 10 boundaries and a six to guide Pakistan past the 300-mark. Alongside vital contributions from debutant Saad Baig (39), Pakistan managed to post 305 all out in 49.5 overs.

Sri Lanka’s pursuit of 306 started steadily in powerplay, but it was a magnificent fifth-wicket partnership that truly turned the game on its head. Pavan Rathnayake anchored the chase with a resilient 79, while Janith Liyanage provided explosive support with a well-made 60. 

Together, the duo systematically dismantled Pakistan’s spin options and found boundaries at will. At 253 for 5, Sri Lanka looked firmly in control, requiring just 53 runs with plenty of wickets and overs in hand.

However, Pakistan’s premier pace attack chose the perfect moment to ignite under the floodlights, triggering an absolute collapse that saw the visitors lose their final five wickets for a mere 15 runs. Seam all-rounder Faheem Ashraf provided the pivotal breakthrough by dismissing the dangerous Rathnayake, finishing his impactful spell with figures of 2 for 49.

From there, the frontline speedsters took complete charge. Naseem Shah maintained phenomenal control at the death to finish with 2 for 43, while Haris Rauf bowled with blistering pace to clean up the tail, returning figures of 2 for 48. It was captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, however, who led the charts, breaking vital partnerships and returning 3 for 55 to seal the comprehensive collapse.

Sri Lanka were eventually bundled out for 268 in 48.1 overs. With this hard-fought opening victory, Pakistan secures crucial points early in the tournament standings as the action prepares to shift gears with England entering the fray next.