Salman’s century, Shaheen’s three wickets seal Pakistan’s first win in Tri-Nation Series
Salman’s century, Shaheen’s three wickets seal Pakistan’s first win in Tri-Nation Series
By Nawaz Gohar ; Pakistan began their ODI tri-nation series campaign on a winning note, defeating Sri Lanka by 37 runs in the opening match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday, as Salman Ali Agha’s magnificent century and Shaheen Shah Afridi’s incisive bowling proved decisive.
Batting first, Pakistan posted 305 in 49.5 overs after recovering from an early setback. Salman led the charge with a superb 107 off 90 deliveries, striking 10 boundaries and a six to register his fourth ODI century.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers initially made inroads, with Dilshan Madushanka dismissing Saim Ayub (7) and Fakhar Zaman (16). Babar Azam and ODI debutant Saad Baig then steadied the innings through a 74-run third-wicket partnership. Babar contributed 45 off 57 balls, while Saad impressed with 39 from 40 deliveries, including three fours and two sixes.
Eshan Malinga removed both batters before Salman joined Hasan Nawaz to rebuild the innings. Their valuable 97-run partnership shifted the momentum towards Pakistan, with Hasan scoring 37 off 49 balls.
Salman continued to dominate, combining with Arafat Minhas, who made a brisk 18, in a 64-run stand. Although Asitha Fernando dismissed both batters and Malinga claimed four wickets for 46 runs, Pakistan crossed the 300-run mark.
In reply, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 268 in 48.1 overs despite a spirited recovery led by Pavan Rathnayake and Janith Liyanage. The pair added 119 runs for the fifth wicket after Pakistan had reduced the visitors to 91-4.
Rathnayake struck 79 off 74 deliveries, including six fours and two sixes, while Liyanage scored a fighting 60 off 74 balls.
Faheem Ashraf broke the partnership by dismissing Rathnayake, while Haris Rauf removed Liyanage to trigger another collapse. Dasun Shanaka’s brisk 28 briefly kept Sri Lanka in contention, but Pakistan’s pace attack regained control in the closing overs.
Shaheen finished with three wickets for 55 runs, while Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Faheem claimed two wickets apiece.
