RAWALPINDI (Kashmir English): Pakistan registered an excellent victory against Sri Lanka in the Tri-Nation Series opener at the Pindi Cricket Stadium here on Sunday.
Playing first, Pakistan posted 305 in 49.5 overs as Sri Lanka were all out for 268 in 48.1 overs, winning by 37 runs.
The much-anticipated 2026–27 Pakistan ODI Tri-Series kicked off with a high-stakes clash at the Pindi Stadium. The series will serve as a critical testing ground for the upcoming One-Day International World Cup.
Winning the toss on a warm, sunny afternoon, Sri Lankan elected to exploit early lateral movement and put the hosts in to bat.
The decision paid immediate dividends as Sri Lanka’s left-arm speedster Dilshan Madushanka wreaked havoc early on. Using the extra bounce, he dismissed both Pakistani openers, Saim Ayub (7) and Fakhar Zaman (16), cheaply.
At 118-4, Pakistan looked precarious. Promising 19-year-old debutant wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig injected crucial energy with a brisk 39, stringing together a 74-run partnership with former skipper Babar Azam (45) before both fell in quick succession to Eshan Malinga.
Salman Agha’s masterclass
Salman Ali Agha played a career-defining knock. The 32-year-old counter-attacked flawlessly. Agha anchored two massive stands—a 97-run partnership with Hasan Nawaz (37) and a rapid 64-run association with Arafat Minhas (18).
Agha brought up a spectacular 90-ball 107, laced with 10 boundaries and a towering six, driving Pakistan past the 300-run milestone.
Sri Lanka’s chase falls short
Chasing 306, Sri Lanka’s response was defined by resilience but hampered by the steady fall of wickets.
Pavan Rathnayake led the charge for the visitors with a fighting 79 off 74 deliveries, alongside a composed half-century (60) from Janith Liyanage.
However, Pakistan’s frontline pace battery proved too clinical. Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi spearheaded the defence with crucial breakthroughs (3-55), heavily supported by Naseem Shah (2-43) and Haris Rauf (2-48).
Sri Lanka was finally bowled out for 268 in 48.1 overs, handing Pakistan a comprehensive 37-run victory to open their tri-series campaign in style.
Tri-Nation Series
England cricket team also arrived in Islamabad on Friday to take part in the ODI Tri-Nation Series.
The ODI tri-Nation Series will be played in Lahore and Rawalpindi from October 18-31.
The first three matches will be held at the Rawalpindi Stadium while Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will host the remaining four.
Pakistan and England will face each other also at the Pindi Stadium on October 20.
The tournament will be held under double league round robin with the top two sides progressing to the final.
England are in good form as they have come to Pakistan after winning their recent three ODI series, two at home and one away.
Tri-Nation Series schedule
October 18: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka — Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
October 20: Pakistan vs England — Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
October 22: Sri Lanka vs England — Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
October 25: Pakistan vs England — Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
October 27: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka — Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
October 29: Sri Lanka vs England — Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
October 31: Final — Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
