Salman Agha’s century powers Pakistan to 37-run win over Sri Lanka in tri-series opener

Salman Ali Agha marked his return to international cricket with a match-winning hundred as Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by 37 runs in the first game of the one-day international (ODI) tri-series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday, 18 October. England are the third side in the competition.

Sent in to bat after Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bowl, Pakistan were all out for 305 with one ball of their 50 overs left. In reply, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 268 with 11 balls unused. Agha was named Player of the Match.

Agha anchors the innings

The 32-year-old made 107 from 90 deliveries, hitting ten fours and a six, for his fourth century in the format. He reached three figures with back-to-back boundaries off Asitha Fernando, who eventually dismissed him in the 47th over. AFP, as carried by Arab News, noted that Agha had endured a tough few months, having been sent home before the third Test in England in August after captaining the side in the opening match of that series.

Pakistan’s start was shaky. Left-arm seamer Dilshan Madushanka removed both openers, Saim Ayub for seven and Fakhar Zaman for 16. Babar Azam (45) and debutant Saad Baig, who struck 39 from 40 balls, then put on 74 before Eshan Malinga removed both in consecutive overs.

Agha then took charge, adding 97 with Hasan Nawaz (37) to rebuild the innings and then 64 more alongside Arafat Minhas (18). Malinga returned career-best figures of 4-46, while Fernando picked up 3-59.

Sri Lanka fall short

Naseem Shah got rid of Avishka Fernando for five early in the chase, and Faheem Ashraf dismissed captain Kusal Mendis for 18. Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi then claimed Kamindu Mendis (44) and Sahan Arachchige in quick succession, leaving the visitors at 91 for four.

Pavan Rathnayake (79 off 74 balls) and Janith Liyanage (60 off 74) revived Sri Lanka with a 119-run stand for the fifth wicket, until Faheem had Rathnayake caught by Agha in the 38th over. Haris Rauf removed Liyanage in the 44th over and, according to CricketNews.com, Sri Lanka lost their last five wickets for 15 runs. Dasun Shanaka’s 28 from 18 balls was not enough.

Afridi finished with 3-55, and Naseem, Faheem and Rauf took two wickets each.

What the captains said

Samaa TV reported that Agha credited his stand with Nawaz for pushing the total past 300, and said he had concentrated on his batting after a difficult spell away from the field. Kusal Mendis admitted his side found the powerplay difficult and slipped up badly in the closing overs of the chase. Afridi praised Agha, Baig and Nawaz, and said his fast bowlers had worked together on reading the pitch.

Pakistan take on England in the second match of the series on Tuesday.

Sources: Arab News (AFP), Samaa TV, CricketNews.com