RAWALPINDI – Pakistan began their tri-nation ODI series campaign with a 37-run victory over Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday, after defending a target of 306 runs.
Batting first, Pakistan were bowled out for 305 in 49.5 overs after Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field.
Salman Ali Agha starred with the bat, scoring an impressive 107 runs to lead Pakistan’s innings. Babar Azam made 45, while Saad Baig contributed 39 and Hasan Nawaz added 37. Arafat Minhas and Fakhar Zaman scored 18 and 16 runs, respectively.
Sri Lanka’s Eshan Malinga was the standout bowler, claiming four wickets, while Asitha Fernando took three.
Chasing 306 for victory, Sri Lanka managed 268 runs before being bowled out, handing Pakistan a 37-run win in the series opener. Pakistan’s bowling attack kept the visitors under pressure, with Shaheen Shah Afridi claiming three wickets.
The tri-nation tournament features Pakistan, Sri Lanka and England and is scheduled to run from October 18 to 31, 2026. The seven-match competition comprises six league fixtures and a final, with matches being played in Rawalpindi and Lahore.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has designated the Pakistan-England ODI scheduled for October 25 as part of a breast cancer awareness initiative.
PAKISTAN VS SRI LANKA SQUADS
Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saad Baig (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Salman Ali Agha, Arafat Minhas, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah.
Sri Lanka: Avishka Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis (c/wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Sachindu Colombage, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka.
