Pakistan Claims Victory Over Sri Lanka by 37 Runs in ODI Tri-Series Opener
Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by 37 runs in the first match of the ODI tri-series, showcasing strong performances from Salman Agha and Shahid Afridi.
Rawalpindi, October 18 (Daily Kiran) : Pakistan secured a 37-run victory against Sri Lanka in the opening match of the ODI tri-series held at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday. Alongside Pakistan and Sri Lanka, England is also participating in the series.
Batting first after losing the toss, Pakistan was dismissed for 305 runs in 49.5 overs. Fakhar Zaman and Sam Ayub opened the innings, contributing 23 runs for the first wicket. Ayub was out for just 7 runs, followed by Zaman’s dismissal at a total of 32, where he scored 16 runs.
From this point, Saad Baig formed a crucial partnership with Babar Azam, adding 74 runs for the third wicket off 83 balls. Babar scored 45 runs from 57 balls, hitting six boundaries. This innings marked a significant milestone for Babar, as he surpassed 16,000 runs in international cricket. Shortly after, Saad Baig was dismissed for 39 runs, which included two sixes and three fours in his 40-ball innings.
Pakistan faced a tough situation at 118 runs with four wickets down. However, Salman Agha steadied the innings, partnering with Hasan Nawaz for a fifth-wicket stand of 97 runs off 93 balls. Hasan contributed 37 runs from 49 balls, while Salman finished unbeaten on 107 runs, striking one six and ten fours off 90 balls. Sri Lankan bowler Ishan Malinda took four wickets for 46 runs, while Asitha Fernando claimed three wickets and Dilshan Madushanka took two.
In response, Sri Lanka struggled, managing only 268 runs in 48.1 overs. Kamindu Mendis and Avishka Fernando started with a 30-run partnership for the first wicket. Avishka fell for 5 runs, and Kamindu later added 36 runs with Kusal Mendis.
Sri Lanka found themselves in trouble, losing four wickets by the time the score reached 91. Janith Liyanage and Pawan Ratnayake then steadied the innings, putting together a 119-run partnership for the fourth wicket, taking the score to 210. Pawan scored 79 runs off 74 balls, featuring two sixes and six fours. After his dismissal, Liyanage added 43 runs with Dasun Shanaka for the sixth wicket but eventually fell for 60 runs. Shanaka contributed 28 runs but could not lead the team to victory.
For Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi was the standout bowler, taking three wickets, while Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Faheem Ashraf each picked up two wickets.
