Pakistan Beat Sri Lanka by 37 Runs in Tri-Series Opener

RAWALPINDI: (Sports Reporter) – Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by 37 runs in the opening match of the three-nation ODI series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

After winning the toss, Sri Lanka elected to field first. Pakistan were bowled out for 305 in 49.5 overs, with Salman Ali Agha leading the batting effort with an impressive century.

Salman scored 107 off 90 balls, while Saad Baig contributed 39 runs, Hasan Nawaz made 37, and Arafat Minhas added 18. Babar Azam scored 45, while Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman managed seven and 16 runs, respectively.

For Sri Lanka, Eshan Malinga claimed four wickets, Asitha Fernando took three, and Dilshan Madushanka picked up two wickets.

Chasing a target of 306, Sri Lanka were dismissed for 268 in 48.1 overs. Pavan Rathnayake top-scored with 79 runs, while Janith Liyanage contributed 60 and Kamindu Mendis made 44.

Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi took three wickets, while Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Faheem Ashraf claimed two wickets each to secure the victory.

The match also marked the ODI debut of Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig.

Pakistan’s playing XI included Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Hasan Nawaz, Salman Ali Agha, Arafat Minhas, Saad Baig, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and captain Shaheen Shah Afridi.

The tri-nation ODI series features Pakistan, Sri Lanka and England.