Pakistan Beat Sri Lanka by 37 Runs as Salman Agha Hits Century in Tri-Series Opener

Rawalpindi, October 18, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Salman Ali Agha struck a superb 107 off 90 balls before Pakistan’s fast bowlers combined to secure a 37-run victory over Sri Lanka in the opening match of the ODI tri-series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Pakistan were bowled out for 305 in 49.5 overs after a fluctuating innings in which Sri Lanka’s bowlers repeatedly checked the hosts’ progress. Eshan Malinga claimed four wickets, while Asitha Fernando took three as the visitors kept Pakistan from capitalising fully on Salman’s century.

The hosts lost openers Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub inside the first six overs, slipping to 32/2. Babar Azam then scored 45 off 57 balls and Saad Baig made 39 off 40, adding 74 runs for the third wicket before both departed in quick succession.

Salman steadied the innings and shared a 97-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Hasan Nawaz, who contributed 37. However, Pakistan lost their final four wickets after reaching 279/6, finishing at 305 all out. Eshan Malinga returned figures of 4/46, while Fernando took 3/59.

Sri Lanka’s chase suffered an early setback as Naseem Shah dismissed Avishka Fernando. The visitors were reduced to 91/4, with Kamindu Mendis scoring 44 and captain Kusal Mendis managing 13.

Pavan Rathnayake and Janith Liyanage revived Sri Lanka’s hopes with a 119-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Rathnayake scored 79 before Faheem Ashraf dismissed him, while Haris Rauf removed Liyanage for 60.

Dasun Shanaka struck 28 off 18 balls, but Shaheen Afridi dismissed him as Pakistan tightened their grip. Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 268 in 48.1 overs.

Shaheen finished with three wickets, while Naseem, Rauf and Ashraf took two each, giving Pakistan a winning start to the tri-series, which also features England.

Brief Scores: Pakistan 305 all out in 49.5 overs (Salman Ali Agha 107, Babar Azam 45; Eshan Malinga 4/46, Asitha Fernando 3/59) beat Sri Lanka 268 all out in 48.1 overs (Pavan Rathnayake 79, Janith Liyanage 60; Shaheen Afridi 3/55, Naseem Shah 2/43) by 37 runs.