Agha Century, Pace Power: Pakistan Crush Sri Lanka in Tri-Series Opener
Salman Ali Agha's century and a lethal pace attack lead Pakistan to a 37-run victory over Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi.
Pakistan kicked off their tri-series campaign in spectacular fashion, securing a commanding 37-run victory over Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi. A brilliant century from Salman Ali Agha and a disciplined performance from the pace battery ensured that the hosts started their tournament on a winning note.
Salman Ali Agha Rescues Pakistan
After being put in to bat first by Sri Lanka, Pakistan found themselves in a precarious position at 118/4. However, the momentum shifted dramatically thanks to a vital 97-run partnership between Salman Ali Agha and Hasan Nawaz. While Nawaz played a supporting role with 37 off 49 balls (including two fours and two sixes), Agha took complete control of the innings.
Agha hammered a magnificent 107 off just 90 deliveries, smashing 10 boundaries and one six to record his fourth ODI century. His explosive knock propelled Pakistan to a formidable total of 305 all out in 49.5 overs. Sri Lanka's bowlers fought back, with Eshan Malinga claiming 4/46 and Asitha Fernando picking up 3/59.
Babar Azam Joins Elite 16,000 Club
Beyond the team victory, the match marked a historic milestone for captain Babar Azam. Scoring 45 off 57 balls with six boundaries, Babar became only the fifth Pakistani cricketer to cross the 16,000-run mark in international cricket.
With 16,038 runs across 355 international appearances since 2015, Babar now sits among the legends of the game. He follows in the footsteps of Inzamam-ul-Haq (20,541), Younis Khan (17,790), Mohammed Yousuf (17,134), and Javed Miandad (16,213). Babar's dominance is most evident in ODIs, where he boasts 6,671 runs at an impressive average of 53.36.
Sri Lanka's Fightback and the Pace Collapse
Sri Lanka's chase started poorly, collapsing to 91/4 within 19.3 overs. Early wickets fell rapidly as Avishka Fernando (5), Kusal Mendis (18), Kamindu Mendis (44), and Sahan Arachchige (3) were sent back to the pavilion, with Shaheen Shah Afridi claiming two of those wickets.
Just as the match seemed decided, Pavan Rathnayake and Janith Liyanage staged a gritty recovery. The duo put on a 119-run partnership for the fifth wicket, with Rathnayake scoring 79 (74 balls) and Liyanage contributing 60 (74 balls). Their efforts brought Sri Lanka back into contention, leaving them needing 53 runs from 38 balls after Liyanage was dismissed with the score at 253.
The Final Blow
The resurgence was short-lived as Pakistan's pace trio tightened the screws. Naseem Shah (2/43) and Haris Rauf (2/48) delivered crucial breakthroughs, including the dismissal of Dasun Shanaka for 28. Sri Lanka was eventually bundled out for 268 in 48.1 overs.
For his match-winning century that set the stage for victory, Salman Ali Agha was named the Player of the Match.