Agha Salman’s Century Powers Pakistan to 299 Against Sri Lanka

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan showcased an impressive batting performance against Sri Lanka in the first Day/Night One-Day International of the three-match series, posting a total of 299 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their allotted 50 overs.

After Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to field, Pakistan’s openers started cautiously. Saim Ayub was dismissed early for just 6 runs, while Fakhar Zaman contributed 32. Skipper Babar Azam added 29 before being bowled by Wanindu Hasaranga, and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan could manage only 5 runs.

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Recovering from early setbacks, Agha Salman and Hussain Talat built a crucial 138-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Agha Salman played a magnificent unbeaten innings of 105 runs off 87 balls, including nine boundaries. Hussain Talat supported well with 62 runs from 63 balls.

In the final overs, Mohammad Nawaz provided late fireworks, smashing 36 runs off just 23 deliveries, taking Pakistan’s total to 299.

For Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga was the standout bowler, claiming 3 wickets for 54 runs in his 10 overs. Asitha Fernando and Maheesh Theekshana took one wicket each.

Pakistan maintained a run rate of 5.98, adding an impressive 53 runs in the last five overs to finish strongly.