Rawalpindi (Urdu Times) Tri-Nation ODI Series: Pakistan Defeats Sri Lanka by 37 Runs in Opening Match

Rawalpindi (Urdu Times): Powered by a brilliant, aggressive century from Salman Ali Agha and excellent bowling from their fast bowlers, Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by 37 runs in the opening match of the Tri-Nation ODI Series. The match took place on October 18, 2026, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Batting first, Pakistan scored 305 runs in 49.5 overs, while the entire Sri Lankan side was bundled out for 268 runs in 48.1 overs.

After losing the toss and being sent in to bat, Pakistan’s top order faced difficulties, with early wickets falling quickly. In this situation, Salman Ali Agha steadied the innings, playing a blistering knock of 107 runs off just 90 balls—an innings that featured 10 fours and a six. He received solid support from former captain Babar Azam (45) and the youngster Saad Baig (39). The entire Pakistani side was bowled out for 305 runs in the final over. For Sri Lanka, Ishan Malinga claimed 4 wickets for 46 runs.

Chasing a target of 306, Sri Lanka also had a poor start; however, a fifth-wicket partnership between Pawan Rathnayake (79) and Janith Liyanage (60) kept the visitors’ hopes alive. Ultimately, though, Pakistan’s pace attack staged a spectacular comeback during the death overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi broke the back of the batting lineup by taking 3 wickets for 55 runs, while Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and all-rounder Faheem Ashraf claimed two wickets each.

With this victory, Pakistan has secured the top spot on the tri-series points table. The next match of the series will be played between Pakistan and England on October 20 at the same venue.