Pakistan Beat Sri Lanka by 37 Runs in First ODI as Salman Ali Agha Smashes Century

*Rawalpindi, October 18:* Pakistan began their three-match ODI series with a convincing 37-run victory over Sri Lanka, powered by a magnificent century from Salman Ali Agha and an impressive bowling performance led by captain Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Batting first at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Pakistan scored 305 runs in 49.5 overs. In reply, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 268 in 48.1 overs, falling 37 runs short of the target.

Salman Ali Agha was the standout performer for Pakistan, scoring a brilliant 107 off 90 balls, including 10 fours and a six. His composed yet aggressive innings helped Pakistan recover from early setbacks and post a competitive total. Salman was named Player of the Match for his outstanding contribution.

Pakistan suffered an early setback when opener Saim Ayub was dismissed for seven and Fakhar Zaman departed for 16. Babar Azam then steadied the innings with a responsible knock of 45 off 57 balls, including six boundaries. He was supported by wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig, who scored 39 off 40 deliveries, including three fours and two sixes.

Salman Ali Agha subsequently took charge of the innings, combining sensible shot selection with attacking stroke play. He reached his half-century off 48 balls before completing his century in 82 deliveries, keeping the scoreboard moving despite wickets falling at the other end.

Hasan Nawaz contributed 37 off 49 balls, while Arafat Minhas added 18 off 15 deliveries. Shaheen Shah Afridi remained unbeaten on 13 off 12 balls as Pakistan finished with 305 runs. For Sri Lanka, Eshan Malinga was the most successful bowler, claiming four wickets for 46 runs. Asitha Fernando took three wickets, while Dilshan Madushanka claimed two.

Chasing a target of 306, Sri Lanka came under early pressure from Pakistan’s fast bowlers. Naseem Shah dismissed Avishka Fernando for five, while Faheem Ashraf removed Kusal Mendis for 18. Shaheen Afridi then struck twice, dismissing Kamindu Mendis, who scored 44 off 50 balls, and Sahan Arachchige to leave Sri Lanka struggling at 91 for four.

However, Pavan Rathnayake and Janith Liyanage revived Sri Lanka’s hopes with a crucial fifth-wicket partnership of 119 runs. Rathnayake played an aggressive innings of 79 off 74 deliveries, hitting six fours and two sixes, while Liyanage scored 60 off 74 balls.

Their partnership brought Sri Lanka back into contention and briefly put Pakistan under pressure. Faheem Ashraf eventually broke the stand by dismissing Rathnayake, providing Pakistan with a crucial breakthrough at a decisive stage of the chase.

Pakistan’s bowlers capitalised on the breakthrough, applying pressure on the remaining Sri Lankan batters and preventing them from completing the chase. Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 268 in 48.1 overs.

Shaheen Shah Afridi led Pakistan’s bowling attack with three wickets for 55 runs. Naseem Shah claimed two wickets for 43 runs, Haris Rauf took two for 48, and Faheem Ashraf finished with two wickets for 49 runs.

Pakistan’s pace attack proved decisive, taking all 10 Sri Lankan wickets to secure a 37-run victory and give the team a winning start to the series.

Pakistan will face England in their next match on Tuesday, while Sri Lanka are scheduled to meet England on October 22.