Hello and Assalam-o-Alaikum!
I hope you are doing well. Some sad news for Pakistan’s young cricketers — our Under-17 team lost the first match of their home series against Sri Lanka, and they lost by a big margin. But do not worry, the series is long and our boys can still come back. Let me explain what happened in simple words.
What Happened? The Short Version
On October 15, 2026, at the Multan Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka Under-17 beat Pakistan Under-17 by 99 runs in the first one-day match of their five-match series. Sri Lanka scored 239 for 6 in 50 overs, and Pakistan were bowled out for just 140 in 39 overs. Dawn, Geo Super, and Business Recorder all covered the match. Pakistan’s senior team also faces Sri Lanka in a big tri-series starting soon — read my full schedule and preview here. For more cricket stories, visit our Sports and Latest sections.
How Did Sri Lanka Score 239?
Pakistan’s young captain Azan Ahmed won the toss and chose to bowl first — but the decision backfired. Sri Lanka’s batsmen played very sensibly.
The star was opener Methuka Gunarathne, who scored 77 runs off 92 balls — slow and steady, like building a house brick by brick. He built two big partnerships: 88 runs with fellow opener Yenula Hewavitharana (36), and 67 runs with Reshon Solomans (42). These partnerships are like teamwork in batting — two players protecting each other and scoring together.
For Pakistan, Mohammad Ihsaan was the best bowler with 3 wickets for 43 runs in his 10 overs, and Fahad Iqbal took 2 wickets. But the rest of the bowling could not stop Sri Lanka from reaching a strong total of 239.
Why Did Pakistan’s Batting Fail?
Chasing 240 to win, Pakistan’s batting collapsed like a sandcastle. The whole team was out for just 140 in 39 overs — that means they did not even play the full 50 overs.
Only four Pakistani batsmen reached double figures: all-rounder Mohammad Saim top-scored with 30 off 47 balls, Hamid Raza made 28, opener Daud Tauqeer Rana made 26, and wicketkeeper Arsalan Hassan made 17. Nobody could stay long and build a big innings.
Sri Lanka’s Sandaru Malshan destroyed our batting with brilliant bowling: 3 wickets for just 16 runs in 7 overs. Thisanga Perera took 2 for 19. Our young batsmen simply had no answer.
Methuka Gunarathne was named player of the match for his 77 runs.
What Is This Series About?
This is a youth series — players under 17 years old. It has one three-day match (played October 9-11, ended in a draw) and five one-day matches. These series are very important because today’s U-17 players become tomorrow’s national team stars. Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi also came through youth cricket like this!
Pakistan’s 16-member squad is led by 17-year-old leg-spinner Azan Ahmed, who took 36 wickets in the National U-17 Cup earlier this year. The remaining matches are all at Multan Cricket Stadium: 2nd ODI on October 17, 3rd on October 19, 4th on October 21, and 5th on October 24.
You can watch every match live: Tamasha and Tapmad will stream it in Pakistan, and viewers outside Pakistan can watch on the PCB’s YouTube channel — all free!
Should Pakistani Fans Worry?
Losing by 99 runs at home hurts, I will be honest. Our batting looked nervous and our bowling (except Ihsaan) was ordinary. But here is why we should stay calm:
1. It is only the first match: Four matches are still left. Young players learn fast — one bad day does not define them.
2. The toss decision can change: Bowling first did not work on this pitch. The captain can try batting first next time.
3. Talent is there: These same boys won the National U-17 Cup. Saim, Hamid Raza, and Ihsaan showed glimpses of quality even in defeat.
4. Sri Lanka played really well: Sometimes you must accept the other team was better on the day. Gunarathne’s 77 was a mature, professional innings.
My Honest Take
The good side: Youth cricket is about learning, not just winning. A heavy defeat teaches young players more than an easy win — if the coaches use it right. And the good news: every remaining match is at home in Multan, in front of Pakistani fans.
The careful side: Being bowled out for 140 while chasing is a warning sign. Our batsmen need to learn to build partnerships like Sri Lanka did — the 88-run opening stand was the real difference between the teams.
What I will watch: the second ODI on Saturday, October 17 — will Pakistan bounce back, or will Sri Lanka go 2-0 up? Here at Pak Unfiltered, I will keep following our young stars in simple words.
Do you think our U-17 boys can win the series from here? Tell me! And if you want me to explain any cricket story in simple words, reach out through our Contact Us page.
Take care! — Maryam
