Sri Lanka lost the opening match of the ODI triangular series against Pakistan by 37 runs in Rawalpindi on Sunday, despite a 119-run fifth-wicket partnership between Pavan Rathnayake and Janith Liyanage that brought the visitors back into contention.
Pakistan posted 305 after being asked to bat first, with Salman Ali Agha scoring 107 from 90 deliveries.
Sri Lanka were dismissed for 268 in 48.1 overs.
The result gives Pakistan the first victory of the series, which also includes England.
Pakistan recover through Salman Agha
Salman Ali Agha led Pakistan’s batting effort with 107 runs from 90 balls, striking ten fours and one six.
Babar Azam contributed 45, while debutant Saad Baig made 39 and Hasan Nawaz scored 37.
Pakistan reached 305 despite losing four wickets for 26 runs during the final five overs.
Eshan Malinga was Sri Lanka’s leading wicket-taker, finishing with four wickets for 46 runs.
Asitha Fernando claimed three wickets for 59, while Dilshan Madushanka took two for 67.
The bowling performance restricted Pakistan to 305, leaving Sri Lanka requiring 306 for victory.
Sri Lanka lose four early wickets
The run chase began poorly for Sri Lanka.
Avishka Fernando was dismissed for five, while captain Kusal Mendis managed 18.
Kamindu Mendis scored 44 from 50 balls before falling to Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Sahan Arachchige was also dismissed by Afridi, leaving Sri Lanka at 91 for four after 19.3 overs.
The visitors were then dependent on their middle order to rebuild the innings.
Rathnayake and Liyanage restore the chase
Pavan Rathnayake and Janith Liyanage added 119 runs for the fifth wicket, giving Sri Lanka a realistic opportunity to reach the target.
Rathnayake scored 79 from 74 deliveries, including six fours and two sixes.
Liyanage contributed 60 from 74 balls.
The partnership occupied 107 deliveries and moved Sri Lanka beyond 200.
According to the Pakistan Cricket Board’s match report, Sri Lanka required 96 runs from the final 13 overs when Pakistan broke the partnership.
That represented a required scoring rate of approximately 7.4 runs per over.
Early collapse: 91 for four.
Fifth-wicket partnership: 119 runs.
Runs required when the partnership ended: 96.
Balls remaining: approximately 78.
Final result: Pakistan won by 37 runs.
Faheem Ashraf dismissed Rathnayake to end the partnership.
Sri Lanka continued batting but were unable to maintain the required scoring rate while preserving wickets.
The innings ended at 268 with 11 deliveries remaining.
Pakistan’s pace attack takes all ten wickets
Pakistan’s four principal fast bowlers shared all ten Sri Lankan wickets.
Shaheen Shah Afridi finished with three for 55.
Naseem Shah took two for 43, Haris Rauf claimed two for 48, and Faheem Ashraf returned two for 49.
The bowling figures confirmed by the Pakistan Cricket Board show that Pakistan relied on its pace attack throughout the decisive stages of the chase.
Salman Ali Agha was named Player of the Match for his century.
England await Sri Lanka on October 22
The tournament continues with Pakistan facing England on October 20 in Rawalpindi.
Sri Lanka’s next match is against England on October 22 at the same venue.
The competition will then move to Lahore, where Sri Lanka are scheduled to face Pakistan again on October 27 and England on October 29.
The final is scheduled for October 31.
All three teams will play one another twice during the league stage, with the two leading teams progressing to the final.
The ODI series forms part of Sri Lanka’s wider tour of Pakistan, which also includes Test cricket in November.
Lakbima News previously reported on Pathum Nissanka’s conditional selection for the Pakistan Test series, subject to medical clearance.
For the ODI side, the next opportunity comes against England on Thursday, following the defeat in Rawalpindi.
