RAWALPINDI — Pakistan set a competitive target of 306 runs for Sri Lanka in the opening match of the three-nation One Day International (ODI) series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Batting first after Sri Lanka won the toss, Pakistan posted a total of 305 runs in 49.4 overs.
Middle-order batter Salman Ali Agha anchored the innings with a standout performance, finishing as the top scorer with 107 runs off 90 deliveries.
Star batter Babar Azam contributed a steady 45 runs, while young prospects Hassan Nawaz and Saad Baig provided vital support to the total, scoring 39 and 37 runs respectively.
For Sri Lanka, bowler Eshan Malinga delivered an impressive spell, emerging as the primary wicket-taker with 4 wickets for 46 runs.
Asitha Fernando claimed 3 wickets, while Dilshan Madushanka picked up 2 wickets to restrict Pakistan’s batting lineup just shy of their full quota of 50 overs.
Note on Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Head-to-Head in ODIs
The ODI rivalry between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is one of the most historical and frequently contested matchups in international cricket.
Across decades of competitive encounters in bilateral series, ICC World Cups, and Asia Cup tournaments, the two Asian nations have met in over 160 One Day Internationals.
Historically, Pakistan holds a clear advantage in overall head-to-head records against Sri Lanka. Out of the 160+ ODIs played between both teams, Pakistan has claimed victory in 96 matches, while Sri Lanka has emerged victorious on 59 occasions, with one match ending in a tie and four matches ending without a result.
A notable highlight of this rivalry is Pakistan’s dominance in major ICC One Day International World Cup events, where Pakistan maintains an unbeaten streak against Sri Lanka across all completed tournament encounters.
The most famous recent encounter occurred during the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup in Hyderabad, India, where Pakistan executed the highest successful run chase in World Cup history by tracking down a formidable target of 345 set by Sri Lanka.
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While Sri Lanka has delivered memorable victories—most notably in Asia Cup knockout stages—Pakistan’s recent home record in ODIs against Sri Lanka remains strong, highlighted by a 3-0 bilateral series sweep during their last meeting in Rawalpindi. Both teams continue to feature high-intensity contests that showcase the competitive spirit of South Asian cricket.
