Salman Ali Agha’s ton helps Pakistan overcome Sri Lanka in tri-series opener

RAWALPINDI: Salman Ali Agha’s 107 off 90 balls powered Pakistan to a 37-run victory over Sri Lanka in their ODI tri-series opener on Sunday, as the hosts defended a 306-run target at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Pakistan posted 305 in 49.5 overs after Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field.

Salman led Pakistan’s batting with a 90-ball 107, featuring 10 fours and a six. Babar Azam contributed 45 off 57 deliveries, while debutant Saad Baig scored 39 off 40 balls.

Hasan Nawaz added 37, while Arafat Minhas made 18. Shaheen Afridi remained unbeaten on 13, and Fakhar Zaman scored 16. Saim Ayub (7) and Faheem Ashraf (6) were the other batters to contribute to Pakistan’s total.

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

Chasing 306, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 268 in 48.1 overs, handing Pakistan a 37-run victory in the tri-series opener.

Pavan Rathnayake top-scored for Sri Lanka with 79 off 74 balls, while Janith Liyanage made 60 off 74 deliveries. Kamindu Mendis scored 44 off 50 balls, and Dasun Shanaka contributed 28 off 18 balls.

Kusal Mendis scored 18 off 34 balls, while Avishka Fernando made five off nine deliveries. Sahan Arachchige scored three off five balls, Sachindu Colombage made one off four, Eshan Malinga scored two off six, and Asitha Fernando contributed seven off 10 balls. Dilshan Madushanka remained unbeaten on one off five deliveries.

For Pakistan, captain Shaheen Afridi took three wickets for 55 runs in 10 overs, while Naseem Shah claimed two for 43 in his 10 overs. Haris Rauf also picked up two wickets, conceding 48 runs in 9.1 overs.

The victory gives Pakistan a winning start to the three-team ODI series, which also features England.

🚨 TOSS ALERT 🚨

Sri Lanka win the toss and opt to field first 🏏#PAKvSL | #BackTheBoysInGreen | #CricketKaJashan pic.twitter.com/KCXBQIMIii

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 18, 2026

ODI tri-series schedule

Pakistan, Sri Lanka and England are competing in the ODI tri-series, with matches scheduled in Rawalpindi and Lahore.

Pakistan face England in Rawalpindi on October 20, followed by Sri Lanka’s match against England at the same venue on October 22.

The series will then move to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, where Pakistan meet England on October 25 and Sri Lanka on October 27. England and Sri Lanka will play their next match on October 29.

Each team will face the other two sides twice in the initial stage, with the top two teams in the points table qualifying for the final in Lahore on October 31.

Captains look ahead to World Cup

Speaking ahead of the match, Pakistan captain Shaheen said the series was important for the team as they prepared for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

Shaheen expressed confidence in Pakistan’s batting, saying the team would aim to score 300 runs if conditions demanded it and was capable of chasing targets of 350 or 400.

Pakistan's playing XI for the ODI tri-series opener 🇵🇰🏏

Saad Baig makes his international debut today 💫#PAKvSL | #BackTheBoysInGreen | #CricketKaJashan pic.twitter.com/v2ofm1j4os

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 18, 2026

Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis also described the tournament as important for all three teams in their preparations for the World Cup.

The tri-series provides the teams with an opportunity to assess their combinations and build momentum ahead of the 2027 World Cup.