Photo via Sportstar

PAK vs SL, Tri-series: Agha century helps Pakistan secure narrow win

Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha made an immediate impact on his return to international cricket, smashing a 90-ball century to lead his team to a hard-fought 37-run victory over Sri Lanka in the opening match of the tri-series in Rawalpindi. The batter, who had been controversially recalled after being sent home during Pakistan’s Test tour of England, anchored the innings with a composed 107, featuring six sixes and 10 fours, as Pakistan posted 305 in 49.5 overs.

His partnership with Hasan Nawaz (97) and Arafat Minhas (64) stabilized the middle order, while debutant Saad Baig (39) and Babar Azam (45) contributed key runs alongside him. Sri Lanka’s chase faltered after early momentum, despite Kamindu Mendis’ fluent 44, as the team lost wickets at regular intervals.

Eshan Malinga stood out with career-best figures of 4/46, but Pakistan’s bowlers—led by Shaheen Shah Afridi’s three wickets—crushed the tail, dismissing the last five batsmen for just 15 runs. The win sets Pakistan up for their next clash against England in the same venue on October 18, though Sri Lanka’s Pavan Rathnayake (79) and Janith Liyanage (60) provided brief resistance with a 119-run stand for the fifth wicket.

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