Salman Agha’s brilliant century and Hussain Talat’s quick-fire 62 guided Pakistan to 299/5 against Sri Lanka in the first ODI at Rawalpindi Stadium on Tuesday.
Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field first, a decision that initially seemed to pay off as Pakistan lost four wickets for just 95 runs. Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam both got starts but fell for 32 and 29 respectively.
Salman Agha and Hussain Talat steadied Pakistan’s innings with a crucial 100-run partnership. Theekshana dismissed Talat for a brisk 62 off just 63 balls. Mohammad Nawaz then joined Agha, contributing a valuable 36 off 23 deliveries.
Meanwhile, Agha remained unbeaten on 105 from 87 balls. Wanindu Hasaranga was the pick of the Sri Lankan bowlers, finishing with three wickets.
Pakistan Playing XI: Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan †, Salman Agha, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah
Sri Lanka Playing XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis †, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando
