Salman Ali Agha’s brilliant unbeaten century guided Pakistan to a competitive 299-run total in the first ODI against Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. The all-rounder’s 105* anchored the innings after early setbacks, with Hussain Talat adding a crucial 62 to help rebuild the hosts’ innings.
Pakistan Recover After Early Collapse
After Sri Lanka opted to bowl first, Pakistan struggled early as openers Saim Ayub (6) and Fakhar Zaman (32) departed cheaply. Babar Azam (29) and Mohammad Rizwan (5) also fell in quick succession, leaving Pakistan reeling at 95-4 in the 24th over.
Leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga led the early damage with three key wickets, maintaining Sri Lanka’s grip on the match. (See complete Squad Here)
Agha and Talat Lead the Fightback
The momentum shifted when Salman Ali Agha and Hussain Talat stitched together a commanding 138-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Talat’s 62 off 63 balls provided stability, while Agha took charge in the latter overs, showcasing his calm temperament and sharp stroke play.
Talat eventually fell to Maheesh Theekshana in the 44th over, but Agha continued to accelerate, reaching his maiden ODI hundred off 87 balls, laced with nine boundaries.
Late Flourish Pushes Total Near 300
Mohammad Nawaz joined Agha at the crease, smashing an unbeaten 36 off just 23 balls to lift Pakistan’s total to 299/5 by the end of 50 overs. The late surge ensured Pakistan posted a formidable target despite the early collapse.
For Sri Lanka, Hasaranga returned figures of 3 for 54, while Theekshana and Asitha Fernando took one wicket each.
Sri Lanka’s Reply in Progress
Chasing 300, Sri Lanka reached 191/6 after 33 overs, with Kamindu Mendis and Wanindu Hasaranga at the crease. Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, have kept the visitors under pressure with timely breakthroughs.
