Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by 37 runs in the opening match of the ODI tri-series featuring Sri Lanka, Pakistan and England, taking an early lead in the tournament.
After winning the toss at Rawalpindi, Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis elected to field first.
Pakistan’s openers, Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub, put on 23 runs for the first wicket before Dilshan Madushanka dismissed Ayub. Madushanka then removed Zaman with the total at 32.
Babar Azam and debutant Saad Baig added 74 runs for the third wicket, while Salman Ali Agha and Hasan Nawaz produced a crucial 97-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
Agha led Pakistan’s batting with a superb 107 off 90 balls, registering his fourth ODI century. Babar Azam scored 45, while Saad Baig contributed 39.
Sri Lanka relied on four specialist bowlers — Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga and Sachindu Colombage. Captain Kusal Mendis therefore had to turn to part-time options to complete the remaining 10 overs, during which Pakistan scored 68 runs.
However, Sri Lanka’s fast bowlers struck back strongly in the final five overs, taking five wickets for just 26 runs. Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 305 with one ball remaining in their innings.
Chasing a target of 306, Sri Lanka made a slow start against Pakistan’s pace attack, reaching just 42 for 1 in the first 10 overs.
Pavan Rathnayake and Janith Liyanage then revived Sri Lanka’s hopes with a magnificent 119-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Rathnayake scored 79, while Liyanage made 60.
But Pakistan’s bowlers regained control in the final 10 overs, when Sri Lanka lost five wickets for just 44 runs.
Sri Lanka were bowled out for 268 in the 49th over, handing Pakistan a 37-run victory and the early lead in the tri-series.
Pakistan will face England tomorrow, October 20, while Sri Lanka’s next match against England is scheduled for October 22.
