Salman Ali Agha’s magnificent century, coupled with a clinical bowling display, powered Pakistan to a commanding 37-run victory over Sri Lanka in the tournament opener of the ODI tri-nation series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on a thrilling Sunday afternoon.
Set a daunting target of 306 runs, Sri Lanka’s chase unraveled as they were bowled out for 268 in just 48.1 overs, thanks to a disciplined and relentless effort from Pakistan’s bowling unit, spearheaded by captain Shaheen Afridi.
The Lankan innings got off to a shaky start, losing Avishka Fernando for just five in the sixth over after a promising 30-run opening stand with Kamindu Mendis. Skipper Kusal Mendis then joined Kamindu, but their 36-run partnership was broken when Faheem Ashraf dismissed Kusal for 18, leaving Sri Lanka reeling at 66-2.
Kamindu, who looked in fine touch with 44 off 50 balls, was next to go, removed by Shaheen, who then struck again to send Sahan Arachchige packing for a duck, as Sri Lanka slipped to a precarious 91-4.
However, a crucial 119-run fifth-wicket partnership between Pavan Rathnayake and Janith Liyanage injected life into the chase, propelling Sri Lanka past the 200-run mark. Rathnayake, who registered his maiden ODI half-century, played a scintillating knock of 79 off just 74 deliveries, laced with six fours and two sixes, before Faheem finally broke the stand.
Liyanage continued to fight valiantly, bringing up his eighth ODI half-century, while Dasun Shanaka provided some late impetus with quick runs. Their 43-run partnership was terminated when Haris Rauf dismissed Liyanage for a well-made 60 off 74 balls, which included five boundaries, leaving Sri Lanka at 253-6.
Shaheen then returned to remove Shanaka for a brisk 28 off 18 deliveries, featuring three fours and a six, significantly denting Sri Lanka’s hopes of a comeback.
Naseem Shah accounted for Sachindu Colombage for just one run, while Eshan Malinga was run out for two following a disastrous mix-up between the batters.
Haris wrapped up the innings in emphatic fashion by dismissing Asitha Fernando for seven, sealing Pakistan’s well-deserved 37-run triumph.
Shaheen led the bowling charts with impressive figures of 3-55 in his 10 overs, while Naseem, Haris, and Faheem each chipped in with two wickets apiece, showcasing a complete team effort.
Earlier, after being asked to bat first, Pakistan made a promising start as openers Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub put on 23 runs before Dilshan Madushanka dismissed Saim for just seven in the fourth over.
Madushanka struck again in the sixth over, removing Fakhar for 16 as Pakistan slipped to a shaky 32-2.
Babar Azam and debutant Saad Baig then steadied the innings with a solid 74-run partnership, guiding Pakistan past the 100-run mark. Eshan Malinga broke the stand by dismissing Babar for a well-crafted 45 off 57 balls, which included six fours, before also removing Saad for a lively 39 off 40 deliveries, featuring three boundaries and two towering sixes.
Salman and Hasan Nawaz rebuilt the innings with a crucial 97-run partnership, helping Pakistan cross 200. Hasan scored a patient 37 off 49 balls before Asitha Fernando dismissed him at 215-5.
Salman then accelerated the scoring, adding 64 runs with Arafat Minhas, who made a brisk 18 off 15 deliveries, before reaching his fourth ODI century. Fernando dismissed Arafat and then removed Salman, who top-scored with a magnificent 107 off 90 balls, including 10 fours and a six.
Malinga claimed his third wicket by dismissing Faheem Ashraf for six, then came close to a hat-trick when Naseem Shah fell for a duck. Haris Rauf survived the hat-trick delivery after an unsuccessful leg-before-wicket appeal.
Captain Shaheen Afridi contributed an unbeaten 13 off 12 balls as Pakistan crossed the 300-run mark, with Haris run out on the final delivery.
For Sri Lanka, Malinga took impressive figures of 4-46 in 9.5 overs, while Fernando claimed three wickets and Madushanka picked up two.