Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 37 runs in the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka tri-series opener. The match was played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. In fact, Salman Ali Agha’s century and Shaheen Afridi’s three-wicket haul led the hosts to victory.
Chasing 306, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 268 in 48.1 overs. Pavan Rathnayake and Janith Liyanage fought hard with half-centuries.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka tri-series: Salman’s century rescues hosts
Pakistan recovered from a difficult start to post 305. Openers Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub managed 23 runs before Dilshan Madushanka dismissed Saim for seven in the fourth over. Madushanka struck again in the sixth over, removing Fakhar for 16 and leaving Pakistan struggling at 32 for 2.
Meanwhile, Babar Azam and debutant Saad Baig steadied the innings with a 74-run partnership for the third wicket. Babar scored 45 off 57 balls, including six fours, before falling to Eshan Malinga in the 20th over. Subsequently, Malinga struck again in the following over to dismiss Saad. Saad made 39 off 40 balls with three fours and two sixes on debut.
Salman and Hasan Nawaz then led the recovery with a 97-run stand for the fifth wicket. Salman brought up his 10th ODI half-century as the pair carried Pakistan past 200. Asitha Fernando broke the partnership by dismissing Hasan for 37 off 49 balls. As a result, Pakistan were left at 215 for 5 after 37.2 overs.
In addition, Salman added 64 with Arafat Minhas, who made 18 off 15 balls before falling to Fernando. During the stand, Salman completed his fourth ODI century. He finished with 107 off 90 balls, including 10 fours and a six. Fernando dismissed Salman. Meanwhile, Malinga removed Faheem Ashraf for six and Naseem Shah for a duck on consecutive balls. He narrowly missed a hat-trick. Captain Shaheen Afridi stayed unbeaten on 13 off 12 balls as Pakistan crossed 300. Haris was run out in the final over.
Malinga finished as Sri Lanka’s leading wicket-taker with 4 for 46 in 9.5 overs. In addition, Fernando claimed three wickets, while Madushanka took two.
Shaheen leads the bowling reply
Sri Lanka’s openers Kamindu Mendis and Avishka Fernando added 30 runs. Naseem Shah then dismissed Fernando for five in the sixth over. Kamindu shared a 36-run partnership with captain Kusal Mendis, who scored 18 before falling to Faheem Ashraf.
Shaheen dismissed Kamindu for 44 off 50 balls. He followed up by removing Sahan Arachchige for three. Consequently, Sri Lanka were reduced to 91 for 4 in 19.3 overs.
Rathnayake and Liyanage rebuilt with a 119-run fifth-wicket stand that carried the visitors past 200. In fact, Rathnayake scored his maiden ODI half-century. Furthermore, he went on to make 79 off 74 balls, with six fours and two sixes. Faheem eventually ended the stand.
Liyanage and Dasun Shanaka added 43 for the sixth wicket. However, Haris dismissed Liyanage for 60 off 74 balls. This left Sri Lanka at 253 for 6 in 43.4 overs. Shaheen then removed Shanaka, who had scored a quick 28 off 18 balls. Naseem dismissed Sachindu Colombage for one. Malinga was run out for two. Finally, Haris sealed the win by removing Asitha Fernando for seven.
Shaheen led Pakistan’s attack with 3 for 55 in 10 overs. In addition, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Faheem Ashraf picked up two wickets each.
A winning start to the series
The result gives Pakistan a winning start to the tri-nation series on home soil. The T20I series opener between the sides had already shown Pakistan’s intent at home earlier this month. Indeed, Feature Pakistan had earlier previewed the seven-match ODI tri-series featuring Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka. As a result, the hosts have now backed up that billing with a convincing opening win.
Indeed, Salman’s hundred was the innings that defined the match. Coming in with Pakistan in trouble, he paced his knock through the middle overs before accelerating.
Pakistan’s recent white-ball meetings with Sri Lanka have produced plenty of talking points. For example, these include the first T20I win led by Farhan’s 89. Moreover, they include Farhan’s call for an aggressive approach after that series opener. Finally, the ODI side has now followed suit with a commanding home win.
Frequently asked questions
What was the result of the Pakistan Sri Lanka tri-series opener?
Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 37 runs. Pakistan posted 305, and Sri Lanka were bowled out for 268 in 48.1 overs while chasing 306.
Who was the player of the match?
Indeed, Salman Ali Agha’s 107 off 90 balls was the decisive innings. It was his fourth ODI century. Meanwhile, Shaheen Afridi’s 3 for 55 led the bowling.
Who are the teams in the ODI tri-series?
Specifically, the seven-match ODI tri-series features Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka, hosted by Pakistan.
How did debutant Saad Baig perform?
Saad Baig scored 39 off 40 balls with three fours and two sixes. In addition, he shared a 74-run third-wicket stand with Babar Azam.
