# Pakistan wins tri-series opener after Sri Lanka's collapse

> Pakistan's Salman Ali Agha century sparks 305-305 win over Sri Lanka in tri-series opener.
- Title: Pakistan wins tri-series opener after Sri Lanka's collapse
- Summary: Pakistan's Salman Ali Agha century sparks 305-305 win over Sri Lanka in tri-series opener. Pakistan won the tri-series opener against Sri Lanka with Salman…
- Keywords: pakistan, sri lanka, salman ali agha, tri series, one day international, rawalpindi cricket stadium, fakhar zaman, saim ayub, dilshan madushanka, babar azam, hasan nawaz, shaheen shah afridi
- Source: Dawn — https://dawn.com/news/2038011/two-moments-of-madness-cost-sri-lanka-as-pakistan-win-tri-series-opener-after-salman-ali-agha-century
- Author: Dawn Sport
- Published: 2026-10-18T07:41:30+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: pakistan, sri lanka, salman ali agha, tri series, one day international, rawalpindi cricket stadium, fakhar zaman, saim ayub, dilshan madushanka, babar azam, hasan nawaz, shaheen shah afridi
## Sri Lanka cruising
Sri Lanka were cruising with 53 runs between them and a flying start after Pavan Rathnayake and Janith Liyanage's 119-run stand.
## Dew conditions
The dew made Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium outfield slick, depriving Pakistan's pacers of reverse swing from the old ball.
## Two moments of madness
Liyanage chipped Haris Rauf to Babar Azam at long-on, and Dasun Shanaka heaved Shaheen Shah Afridi to the same fielder in four balls.
## Sri Lanka collapse
Sri Lanka unraveled after Liyanage's loose chip and Shanaka's reckless heave, losing 37 runs in the final overs.
## Salman Ali Agha century
Salman Ali Agha scored 107 off 90 balls, including 10 fours and a six, after returning from Test team axing two months ago.
## Pakistan's innings
Pakistan posted 305 in 49.5 overs with Babar Azam and Saad Baig adding 74 runs for the third wicket.
## Malinga's impact
Eshan Malinga took 4-46 with Pakistan's lower order struggling to find a breakthrough.
## Sri Lanka's reply
Sri Lanka started poorly, reducing Pakistan to 91-4 before rebuilding with patience and calculated aggression.
## Sri Lanka's collapse
Sri Lanka collapsed after Liyanage's loose chip and Shanaka's reckless heave, leaving Pakistan with a 37-run win.
## Pakistan's victory
Pakistan won the tri-series opener with Salman Ali Agha's century and Malinga's late burst securing a 37-run victory.
## Key takeaway

Pakistan won the tri-series opener against Sri Lanka with Salman Ali Agha scoring 107 runs off 90 balls, securing a 37-run victory after Sri Lanka collapsed in the final overs.