RAWALPINDI: Pakistan on Sunday set a target of 306 runs for Sri Lanka in the opening match of the tri-nation ODI series after being bowled out for 305 in 49.5 overs at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Salman Ali Agha led Pakistan’s batting effort with an impressive century, scoring 107 runs. Babar Azam contributed 45 runs, while Saad Baig scored 39. Hasan Nawaz added 37 runs, followed by Arafat Minhas with 18 and Fakhar Zaman with 16. Saim Ayub scored seven runs, while Faheem Ashraf managed six.
For Sri Lanka, Eshan Malinga was the leading wicket-taker with four wickets, while Asitha Fernando claimed three wickets to restrict Pakistan to 305. The tri-nation ODI series features Pakistan, Sri Lanka and England, with matches scheduled from October 18 to 31, 2026.
The seven-match tournament comprises six league matches and a final, with all fixtures to be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that the ODI between Pakistan and England on October 25 will be dedicated to breast cancer awareness as part of the series.
PAKISTAN: Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saad Baig (wicketkeeper), Hasan Nawaz, Salman Ali Agha, Arafat Minhas, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah.
SRI LANKA: Avishka Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis (captain/wicketkeeper), Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Sachindu Colombage, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka.
