Pakistan Defeats Sri Lanka by 37 Runs with Salman Agha’s Century in First ODI at Rawalpindi
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By • Published 19 Oct 2026• Updated 19 Oct 2026
The first match of the three-nation ODI series, held on Sunday, 18 October at Rawalpindi, was played between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Pakistan posted 305 runs and secured a 37-run victory, marking a successful start to the series for the host team.
Key Match Events
Pakistan lost two early wickets after scoring just 32 runs from the opening pair. Subsequently, Babar Azam and debutant wicketkeeper-batsman Saud Baig put together a 74-run partnership before Babar was dismissed by a short ball. Salman Agha then took charge, scoring his fourth ODI century with 107 runs off 84 balls. His innings helped the team reach 305 runs, which captain Shaheen Afridi later defended by taking three wickets.
Sri Lanka’s Response
Sri Lanka also struggled early in their innings, losing four wickets for 91 runs, including two wickets taken by captain Shaheen Afridi. Janith Liyanage and Pawan Ratnayake combined for a 119-run partnership, providing some relief to the team. However, the partnership ended at 210 runs, and Shaheen Afridi curtailed Dasun Shanaka’s aggressive batting, preventing further progress. Ultimately, Sri Lanka was all out for 268 runs in 48.1 overs.
Highlights
- Pakistan won by 37 runs after scoring 305 runs.
- Salman Agha scored 107 runs, marking his fourth ODI century.
- Captain Shaheen Afridi contributed with three wickets.
- Sri Lanka’s highest partnership was 119 runs between Janith Liyanage and Pawan Ratnayake.
- Sri Lanka was all out for 268 runs in 48.1 overs.
This victory boosts Pakistan’s confidence in the series, while Sri Lanka will need to improve consistency in their batting. Performances of both teams will be closely watched in the upcoming matches.
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