Key Takeaways
- Salman Agha scored a century as Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by 37 runs.
- Agha's 107 runs came off 90 balls, including six sixes and 10 fours.
- Sri Lanka's Pavan Rathnayake and Janith Liyanage contributed significantly but could not prevent the loss.
Salman Agha marked his return to international cricket with a century, anchoring Pakistan’s innings to 305 in 49.5 overs against Sri Lanka in the one-day tri-series opener in Rawalpindi on Sunday.
Agha's 107 runs came off 90 balls, including six sixes and 10 fours, providing a solid foundation for Pakistan’s victory.
Skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi further consolidated Pakistan's position by taking 3-55, restricting Sri Lanka to 268 in 48.1 overs.
Pavan Rathnayake and Janith Liyanage kept Sri Lanka in contention with a fighting 119-run fifth-wicket stand, but their efforts were in vain.
Rathnayake scored 79 runs with two sixes and six boundaries, while Liyanage contributed 60 runs with five boundaries.
Dasun Shanaka's 28 runs were the only significant contribution from Sri Lanka's lower order, as they lost their last five wickets for just 15 runs.
Pakistan's bowlers, including Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Faheem Ashraf, chipped in with two wickets each, contributing to the victory.
Agha's performance was a significant turnaround from his recent struggles, having been sent home after captaining the team in the first match of the third Test in England in August.
The hosts now prepare to face England in the second match of the series on Tuesday, also in Rawalpindi, as they gear up for next year’s 50-over World Cup in southern Africa.
