Pakistan launched their tri-series campaign with a 37-run victory over Sri Lanka on Sunday, October 18, in Rawalpindi, anchored by a commanding century from Salman Agha. Despite a lackluster finish that saw the team lose their final five wickets for just 37 runs in the closing six overs, Pakistan posted a challenging total of 305 all out in 49.5 overs. Despite their poor finish with the bat, Pakistan managed to go past 300 on the back of Agha’s ton. But Sri Lanka managed to strike at the right time once again to get rid of Nawaz. A total of 305 appeared to be more than good enough for the home side as Sri Lanka stuttered in the run chase, despite that poor finish.
The hosts faced early pressure after electing to bat. Dilshan Madushanka claimed both Pakistan openers within the first six overs, limiting the early momentum despite Fakhar Zaman’s aggressive start. A resilient recovery was led by Babar Azam, who contributed 45, and Saad Baig. Their partnership provided stability before Eshan Malinga, who finished with impressive figures of 4-46, dismissed both players in quick succession. Agha then anchored the innings alongside Hasan Nawaz, steadily accumulating runs until Nawaz fell, though Agha continued to push the scoring until he was caught at long-on. Fakhar Zaman cashed in on a free-hit to hammer a six early in his innings and went on to add a couple of boundaries as well. Malinga struck in his next over as well with another short-ball accounting for the other well-set batter Baig who got a top edge. The boundaries started flowing again after the duo gained confidence. Even though Agha turned on the heat in the slog overs, Arafat Minhas’s dismissal completely derailed Pakistan. Rathnayake made a nervy start as he was beaten on numerous occasions at the start of his innings.
Chasing 306, Sri Lanka encountered immediate trouble as a top-edged catch dismissed Avishka Fernando early, while Kusal Mendis struggled significantly, laboring for 13 runs off 31 deliveries. Faheem Ashraf eventually dismissed Mendis, and Shaheen Afridi intensified the pressure by striking twice in two overs. By the end of the 20th over, Sri Lanka found themselves at 91/4, needing a major recovery to stay in the hunt. However, they wilted under pressure towards the end to eventually go down.
A formidable century partnership between Pavan Rathnayake, who scored 79, and Janith Liyanage, who contributed 60, brought the visitors back into contention. Rathnayake displayed confidence after the second drinks break, even launching Afridi for consecutive sixes. However, Pakistan regained control when Rathnayake holed out to cover. Although Dasun Shanaka attempted to counterattack with a quick-fire cameo, Haris Rauf removed Liyanage to keep the pressure on the lower order.
Skipper Shaheen Afridi opted for an aggressive spell to close the game, successfully removing Shanaka to effectively end Sri Lanka’s hopes. The tail offered little resistance against the precision of Naseem Shah and Rauf, with the visitors being bundled out for 268 in 48.1 overs. Afridi concluded the match with 3-55, while Naseem Shah provided vital support with 2-43, handing Pakistan a solid start to the tournament. Brief scores: Pakistan 305 in 49.5 overs (Salman Agha 107, Babar Azam 45; Eshan Malinga 4-46) beat Sri Lanka 268 in 48.1 overs (Pavan Rathnayake 79, Janith Liyanage 60; Shaheen Afridi 3-55, Naseem Shah 2-43) by 37 runs. Effectively sealing the game for his side, afridi opted to bowl himself out immediately in order to go for the kill and that ploy paid dividends as the skipper bagged the big wicket of Shanaka. On expected lines, Sri Lanka’s tail caved in without a fight with Naseem Shah and Rauf completing the formalities to seal the win.
