Rawalpindi: Pakistan posted a competitive total of 299 in the opening One Day International against Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, thanks to a composed century from middle-order batter Salman Ali Agha.
Sri Lankan skipper Charith Asalanka won the toss and invited Pakistan to bat first on a lively Rawalpindi pitch. Pakistan’s start was shaky, losing opener Saim Ayub early for 6 runs to Asitha Fernando in the fifth over.
Partnerships Build After Early Setback
Fakhar Zaman and captain Babar Azam stabilized the innings with a 54-run stand. However, Zaman’s attempt to clear Wanindu Hasaranga over the ropes ended in a stumping at 32. Babar Azam followed soon after, dismissed for 29, while Mohammad Rizwan managed only 5.
At that point, Pakistan was struggling to build momentum. Salman Ali Agha and Hussain Talat then turned the tide with a steady partnership. Salman remained unbeaten on 105 his first ODI century while Talat contributed a solid 62. Mohammad Nawaz added 36 to lift Pakistan to a respectable total before the innings concluded.
Pakistan’s Line-Up and Strategy
Before the match, Pakistan skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi said he would have bowled first had he won the toss, citing early morning conditions. “We aim to carry forward our form from the previous series,” Afridi said.
Pakistan fielded a balanced XI featuring Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Hussain Talat, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi. Naseem Shah replaced Abrar Ahmed in the playing eleven.
Security and Spirit of Sportsmanship
Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi visited the stadium to inspect security arrangements. He emphasized that the Sri Lankan team had been accorded the status of “state guests,” assuring that “no compromise will be made on their security.”
Naqvi added that promoting sporting ties remained a shared goal between both nations. “Cricket brings people together, and we are committed to ensuring safe and vibrant events,” he stated.
Sri Lanka was set to begin its chase shortly after Pakistan’s innings ended, with conditions favoring a competitive contest under clear skies in Rawalpindi.
