Pakistan Begin Tri-Nation ODI Series with Victory over Sri Lanka After Salman Aghas Century

Pakistan began their home tri-nation ODI series with a victory, thanks to a brilliant century from Salman Agha. The hosts defeated Sri Lanka by 37 runs in the opening match in Karachi. Following Agha’s outstanding 107-run innings, Pakistan’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance to secure a comfortable win.

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Pakistan were bowled out for 305 in 49.5 overs. Despite losing two early wickets, Babar Azam’s 45 and contributions from Saim Baig helped the hosts recover from the initial setback. Salman Agha then took charge in the middle order, producing a blistering 107 off 90 balls, including 10 fours and a six. The star batter reached his century in just 82 balls. Late cameos from Hasan Nawaz and Arafat Minhas helped Pakistan cross the 300-run mark.

Chasing a target of 306, Sri Lanka suffered an early setback. However, the visitors fought back through Kamindu Mendis’s 44, Pavan Rathnayake’s 79 and Janith Liyanage’s 60. A brilliant century partnership between Rathnayake and Liyanage took Sri Lanka past the 200-run mark and kept their hopes alive, but they ultimately fell short.

Pakistan’s bowlers continued to take wickets at crucial moments, putting Sri Lanka under pressure. The visitors were eventually bowled out for 268 in 48.1 overs. While Pakistan secured the victory through an all-round team effort, centurion Salman Agha emerged as the star of the match.