Pakistan Beats Sri Lanka by 37 Runs in ODI Tri-Series Opener

Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by 37 runs in the first One-Day International of the tri-series in Rawalpindi on Sunday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said. 

The match saw Pakistan post a total of 305, which Sri Lanka failed to chase, ending at 268 in 48.1 overs.

Sri Lanka's chase was marked by a significant fifth-wicket partnership between Pavan Rathnayake and Janith Liyanage. Rathnayake scored 79 runs from 74 balls, including six fours and two sixes, while Liyanage added 60 runs from 74 deliveries. However, their efforts were not enough to secure a win for Sri Lanka.

Pakistan's bowling attack played a crucial role in the victory, with Shaheen Shah Afridi taking three wickets, and Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf each taking two wickets. Faheem Ashraf also claimed two wickets, including those of Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis and Rathnayake.

Earlier in the match, Pakistan's innings was led by a century from Salman Agha, who scored 107 runs off 90 balls. Babar Azam contributed 45 runs, while debutant Saad Baig scored 39 runs. Hasan Nawaz added 37 runs, and Arafat Minhas scored 18 runs from 15 balls, helping Pakistan reach a total of 305 in 49.5 overs.

Sri Lanka's Eshan Malinga took four wickets, and Asitha Fernando took three wickets.

The tri-series also features another team, though its name was not mentioned in the PCB's statement. Pakistan's win sets a positive tone for their campaign.