Pak vs SL 1st ODI: Pakistan Start the Tri-Series With a 37-Run Win
Hello my dear readers! I hope you all are well and had a lovely Sunday. I have some very good news for all Pakistan cricket fans today — the Pak vs SL 1st ODI is done, and we won!
Our whole street was watching on one TV. The light went off twice during the match, and my abbu ran to switch on the UPS like it was a war. Pakistan were 32 for 2. Dead scary. Then Salman Ali Agha played the innings of his life. 107 runs! The Sri Lankan bowlers will see him in their dreams tonight. Pakistan won by 37 runs in Rawalpindi. Let me tell you the full story, ball by ball, in very simple words.
Pak vs SL 1st ODI: Sri Lanka Won the Toss and Chose to Bowl First
First, the toss happened. Sri Lanka won it, and their captain made a smart choice. He asked Pakistan to bat first, The News reported. As a result, Pakistan had to set a big target.
This tri-series is very important for us. If you want to know the full schedule and what to expect in the coming days, read our full tri-series preview and schedule. In short, it has all the match dates and details.
Pak vs SL 1st ODI: Pakistan’s Innings — A Shaky Start, Then a Super Comeback
Pakistan’s batting started badly. We were in big trouble early. In fact, at just 32 runs, we had already lost 2 wickets.
Saim Ayub made only 7 runs. Then Fakhar Zaman made 16 runs. Both of them were dismissed by Dilshan Madushanka. Naturally, the fans in the stadium were worried. The start was not good at all.
But then Babar Azam came in. He played a calm and steady innings of 45 runs off 57 balls. He held one end and let others play freely. Because of him, Pakistan stayed in the game.
And then came the hero of the day — Salman Ali Agha. He played one of the best innings of his life, scoring 107 runs off just 90 balls with 10 fours and one six. This was his fourth hundred in ODI cricket, and he played with full confidence and smart shots.
However, he was not alone. A young wicketkeeper named Saad Baig played his very first match for Pakistan. He made 39 runs off 40 balls. What a debut! He looked calm and played brave shots.
Then Hasan Nawaz added 37 runs off 49 balls. Arafat Minhas scored a quick 18 runs off just 15 balls. And Shaheen Shah Afridi stayed not out on 13 runs at the end.
As a result of all this teamwork, Pakistan scored 305 all out in 49.5 overs. So we crossed 300, which was the goal.
For Sri Lanka, Eshan Malinga bowled very well. He took 4 wickets for 46 runs. Asitha Fernando took 3 wickets. And Dilshan Madushanka took 2 wickets. They fought hard, but Pakistan still reached a big total.
Pak vs SL 1st ODI: Sri Lanka’s Chase — A Scare, Then Pakistan’s Bowlers Take Over
Now it was Sri Lanka’s turn to bat. They needed 306 runs to win. At first, Pakistan’s bowlers kept them quiet.
But then something scary happened. Two Sri Lankan batsmen started playing very well. Pavan Rathnayake scored 79 runs off 74 balls. He hit six fours and two sixes. This was his first fifty in ODI cricket. Janith Liyanage made 60 runs off 74 balls.
The two of them put together a 119-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Suddenly, Sri Lanka were back in the game. Of course, the Pakistani fans were nervous. The match was getting close.
Kamindu Mendis made 44 runs. Dasun Shanaka scored a quick 28 runs off 18 balls. So Sri Lanka kept fighting.
But in the end, Pakistan’s fast bowlers were too good. Shaheen Shah Afridi led the attack with 3 wickets for 55 runs in 10 overs. Naseem Shah took 2 wickets. Haris Rauf took 2 wickets. And Faheem Ashraf took 2 wickets too.
Sri Lanka were all out for 268 runs in 48.1 overs. Pakistan won the Pak vs SL 1st ODI by 37 runs!
Pak vs SL 1st ODI: How the Match Was Won
So, how did Pakistan win this match? First, the batting comeback was amazing. From 32 for 2, the team reached 305. Salman Ali Agha’s century was the biggest reason. The young players like Saad Baig and Hasan Nawaz also played their part.
Next, the bowling was smart. When Rathnayake and Liyanage were going strong, the fast bowlers did not panic. They kept talking to each other. They made plans together. And finally, they broke the partnership.
Geo Super reported that captain Shaheen Afridi was very happy after the match. The captain said the team had wanted to bat first and had aimed for more than 300 runs. He praised Agha’s batting, along with Saad Baig for a fine debut and Hasan Nawaz for his support. He also said the fast bowlers kept talking about the pitch and made plans together. This teamwork won us the match.
For the full scorecard and more match details, you can also read the complete match report on A Sports.
What This Win Means for Pakistan
Overall, this win is very important. Pakistan now have 2 points in the tri-series. England are also in this series. The next match for Pakistan is against England at the same ground on Tuesday, October 20.
If Pakistan keep playing like this, they can reach the final. The team looks confident. The young players are performing. And the captain is leading from the front.
Here at Pak Unfiltered, we are so proud of the team today. The fans deserved this happiness.
By the way, did you see Pakistan’s pink jerseys in this match? There is a beautiful reason behind them. Read the heart-touching story here. It will surely make you smile.
Quick Match Summary
- Match: Pak vs SL 1st ODI, tri-series opener, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
- Toss: Sri Lanka won and chose to bowl first
- Pakistan: 305 all out in 49.5 overs (Agha 107, Babar 45, Saad Baig 39)
- Sri Lanka: 268 all out in 48.1 overs (Rathnayake 79, Liyanage 60)
- Result: Pakistan won by 37 runs
- Best bowling (Pakistan): Shaheen Afridi 3 for 55; Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Faheem Ashraf took 2 each
- Next match: Pakistan vs England, October 20, Rawalpindi
So my friends, that is the full story of the Pak vs SL 1st ODI. A day full of joy for every Pakistan fan. I will bring you more news from the tri-series very soon.
Take care, everyone!
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