Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 37 runs in ODI tri-series opener at Rawalpindi

Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by 37 runs in the opening match of the tri-nation ODI series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field, but Pakistan posted 305 in 49.5 overs to set the visitors a target of 306. Salman Ali Agha led the batting with an impressive 107, while Babar Azam contributed 45, Saad Baig 39 and Hasan Nawaz 37. Arafat Minhas added 18 and Fakhar Zaman 16.

For Sri Lanka, Eshan Malinga claimed four wickets and Asitha Fernando took three to restrict Pakistan to 305.

In reply, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 268, falling 37 runs short of the target, as Pakistan’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout the chase. Shaheen Shah Afridi took three wickets to seal victory in the series opener.

The tri-nation ODI series features Pakistan, Sri Lanka and England and runs from October 18 to 31, 2026. The seven-match tournament comprises six league matches and a final, with all fixtures scheduled in Rawalpindi and Lahore.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced that the Pakistan-England ODI on October 25 will be dedicated to breast cancer awareness as part of the series.

Source: Ada Derana