Pakistan made a winning start to the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026 with a 37-run victory over Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on October 18. Salman Ali Agha delivered an outstanding performance with the bat, scoring 107 runs to help Pakistan post a competitive total of 305.
The tri-series features Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka, with matches scheduled in Rawalpindi and Lahore from October 18 to October 31, 2026.
Salman Ali Agha Leads Pakistan’s Batting
After being asked to bat first, Pakistan lost early wickets and needed a strong partnership to rebuild their innings. Salman Ali Agha stepped up under pressure and produced an impressive century.
He scored 107 runs from 90 balls, including 10 fours and one six. His innings helped Pakistan recover from a difficult start and establish a challenging target for Sri Lanka.
Babar Azam contributed 45 runs, while debutant Saad Baig scored 39. Hasan Nawaz also added 37 runs to support Pakistan’s middle order.
Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 305 in 49.5 overs. For Sri Lanka, Eshan Malinga was the leading wicket-taker, claiming four wickets for 46 runs.
Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026: Key Match Highlights
The Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026 began with an exciting contest between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Salman Ali Agha’s century played a crucial role in Pakistan’s batting performance, helping the team build a competitive total. The Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026 gives Pakistan an opportunity to test its players and strengthen its ODI preparations. Fans will be watching the upcoming matches closely as Pakistan faces England and Sri Lanka in the tournament. Following the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026 will keep cricket supporters updated on match results, standout performances and the race to the final.
Sri Lanka Fight Back During the Chase
Sri Lanka began their chase of 306 but lost wickets at important moments. Kamindu Mendis scored 44 runs, while Pavan Rathnayake and Janith Liyanage gave their team hope with a strong fifth-wicket partnership.
Rathnayake made 79 runs from 74 balls, while Liyanage scored 60. Their partnership brought Sri Lanka back into contention and put pressure on Pakistan’s bowling attack.
However, Pakistan responded with crucial wickets during the final stages of the innings. The bowlers prevented Sri Lanka from completing the chase, dismissing the visitors for 268 in 48.1 overs.
Pakistan secured a 37-run victory, giving the team valuable momentum at the start of the tournament.
Pakistan’s Bowlers Make the Difference
Pakistan’s pace attack played a decisive role in the result. Shaheen Shah Afridi took three wickets, while Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Faheem Ashraf claimed two wickets each.
Their ability to take wickets at key moments stopped Sri Lanka from building on the partnership between Rathnayake and Liyanage.
Salman Ali Agha was named Player of the Match for his match-winning century.
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Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026: What Comes Next?
Pakistan are scheduled to face England in their next tri-series match on October 20 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Sri Lanka are also set to face England on October 22 before the tournament moves to Lahore.
The remaining matches will be important for all three teams as they compete for a place in the final on October 31.
For Pakistan, the opening victory offers an encouraging start. Salman Ali Agha’s century and the bowlers’ performance showed how important individual contributions can be in a competitive ODI contest.
Fans will now be watching to see whether Pakistan can maintain their momentum against England and continue their strong start to the ODI Tri-Series 2026.
Source: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) — official match report and tournament schedule.
Official Source: For official cricket news, match reports and tournament updates, visit the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
