Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by 37 runs in the opening match of the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026-27 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on October 18, 2026. Salman Agha's commanding knock of 107 off 90 balls anchored Pakistan's innings as they posted 305 on the board. Sri Lanka, set a target of 306, were bowled out for 268 in 48.1 overs and could not complete the chase despite a spirited middle-order effort.
The Shaheen Shah Afridi-led side making a winning start will be a huge boost for the Men in Green in the all-important series, with the 2027 ODI World Cup less than twelve months away.
Salman Agha's century was the defining contribution of the match. His 107 off 90 balls gave Pakistan the platform to reach 305, a total that ultimately proved beyond Sri Lanka's reach. On the bowling side for Sri Lanka, Eshan Malinga was the standout performer, claiming 4 wickets for 46 runs. Despite Malinga's efforts, Pakistan's total held firm throughout the chase.
How did Salman Agha's innings shape Pakistan's total?
Salman Agha was the centrepiece of Pakistan's batting effort on the day. His knock of 107 off 90 balls was both aggressive and measured, providing the innings with the momentum needed to post a competitive score. Pakistan finished on 305, setting Sri Lanka a target of 306 to win the match.
Malinga's 4 for 46 was the best bowling return of the match across both sides, but even his four-wicket haul could not prevent Pakistan from reaching a total that would prove decisive. Pakistan's batting depth and Agha's anchor role ensured the total was well beyond what Sri Lanka's bowlers could restrict on the day.
How did Sri Lanka's chase unfold at Rawalpindi?
Sri Lanka's chase showed genuine promise in the middle overs. Pavan Rathnayake and Janith Liyanage put on a 119-run fifth-wicket partnership that kept the visitors in contention. Rathnayake contributed 79 runs while Liyanage added 60, and together they gave Sri Lanka a realistic chance of pulling off the chase.
However, once Liyanage was dismissed, Sri Lanka's innings fell apart rapidly. The visitors lost their last five wickets for just 15 runs, a collapse that ended their innings at 268 in 48.1 overs and left them 37 runs short of the target.
Shaheen Afridi was the pick of Pakistan's bowlers, finishing with figures of 3 for 55. His wickets at crucial moments accelerated the late collapse and sealed a comfortable win for Pakistan in the tri-series opener. The result gave Pakistan a winning start ahead of their remaining fixtures in the tournament.
