RAWALPINDI : Pakistan beat Sri Lanka in the opening match of Tri- Series at Rawalpindi.
According to the sources, In a thrilling encounter at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Pakistan defeats Sri Lanka by 37 runs in tri-nation series opener to secure an opening victory in the ODI tournament.
Batting first, Pakistan posted a total of 305 runs before being bowled out in the 50th over. Middle-order batter Salman Ali Agha led the innings with a brilliant 107 runs, supported by Babar Azam (45), Saad Baig (39), and Hassan Nawaz (37).
Although Pakistan looked set to exceed 350 runs at one stage, a lower-order collapse limited them to 67 runs for 5 wickets in the final ten overs.
Eshan Malinga was Sri Lanka’s standout bowler with 4 wickets, while Dilshan Madushanka claimed 3. In reply, Sri Lanka struggled early, slumping to 101/4.
A 119-run fifth-wicket partnership between Pawan Rathnayake (79) and Janith Liyanage (60) brought Sri Lanka back into contention before Rathnayake was caught by Babar Azam at long-on. Following a brief 43-run stand with Dasun Shanaka, Liyanage mistimed a shot to Salman Ali Agha at cover.
Shanaka was then caught at long-on off Shaheen Shah Afridi, ending Sri Lanka’s hopes as the final three wickets fell for just 12 runs, leaving Sri Lanka all out for 268 in 48.1 overs as Pakistan defeats Sri Lanka by 37 runs in tri-nation series opener.
Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi finished with 3 wickets, while Haris Rauf, Faheem Ashraf, and Naseem Shah claimed 2 wickets each.
Note on Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Head-to-Head in ODIs
Pakistan and Sri Lanka share a rich historical rivalry in One Day International cricket, spanning over 160 matches since their first encounter.
Historically, Pakistan maintains a dominant record in the rivalry, having won 97 of these encounters compared to Sri Lanka’s 59 victories, along with one tied match and four non-results.
Pakistan’s advantage is particularly pronounced in major ICC tournaments, where they hold an unbeaten record against Sri Lanka in ODI World Cups.
ALSO READ: Pakistan Sets Target of 306 Runs Against Sri Lanka in Tri-Nation Series Opener
Despite Sri Lanka’s strong performances in Asia Cup fixtures over the years, Pakistan continues to hold a solid head-to-head advantage in home conditions and multi-nation ODI series.
