Key Takeaways
- Salman Ali Agha scored 107 runs in Pakistan's innings.
- Eshan Malinga's bowling restricted Pakistan to 305 runs.
- Pakistan's collapse after Salman's dismissal allowed Sri Lanka to take control.
Salman Ali Agha returned to form with a century in Pakistan's One-day International (ODI) tri-series opener against Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
Agha's 107 runs off 90 balls, including 10 fours and a six, helped Pakistan post 305 runs on the board.
However, the hosts struggled to maintain their momentum after Salman's dismissal, as Sri Lanka's pacers, particularly Eshan Malinga, restricted the scoring in the latter overs.
Malinga, who took 4 wickets for 46 runs, bowled economically, conceding only 36 runs in the last five overs.
Babar Azam and Saad Baig's 74-run partnership for the third wicket was cut short by Malinga, who bounced out both openers early in the innings.
Salman and Hasan Nawaz then combined for 97 runs before Hasan was dismissed by Asitha Fernando (3-59).
Salman's innings was marked by effective strokeplay, including a powerful six off Dasun Shanaka and a century that came in the 45th over.
Despite a strong start, Pakistan's innings collapsed after Salman's dismissal, with Arafat Minhas adding 18 runs before being caught.
Pakistan's bowlers, including Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, were kept in check by Malinga's accurate yorkers and sharp short deliveries.
