RAWALPINDI: Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by 37 runs in the opening match at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
After being asked to bat first, Pakistan scored 305 runs in 49.5 overs. Sri Lanka fought back during the chase but were bowled out for 268 in 48.1 overs while pursuing a target of 306. Salman Ali Agha led Pakistan’s batting with an impressive 107 off 90 balls, while wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig contributed 39 runs on his ODI debut.
Hasan Nawaz added 37, helping Pakistan post a competitive total despite losing wickets at regular intervals. Pakistan lost their first wicket at 23 when Saim Ayub departed for seven, followed by Fakhar Zaman, who scored 16. Babar Azam made 45 before Pakistan lost their third wicket at 106.
Sri Lanka’s Eshan Malinga was the pick of the bowlers with four wickets, while Asitha Fernando claimed three and Dilshan Madushanka took two. Sri Lanka’s chase featured some determined batting, but Pakistan’s bowlers kept the pressure on and prevented the visitors from reaching the target.
Pavan Rathnayake top-scored for Sri Lanka with 79 runs, while Janith Liyanage made 60. Kamindu Mendis contributed 44, but their efforts were not enough to secure victory. Shaheen Shah Afridi led Pakistan’s bowling attack with three wickets.
Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Faheem Ashraf picked up two wickets each to seal the 37-run win.The match also marked Saad Baig’s debut in One-Day International cricket. Pakistan, Sri Lanka and England are competing in the tri-nation series, with the opening victory giving the hosts a positive start to the tournament.
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