Salman Agha’s brilliant century powered Pakistan’s recovery from early blows, guiding them to a solid total of 299 runs against Sri Lanka in the first innings of the first ODI at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Earlier, Babar Azam’s dismissal added to Pakistan’s woes, with Hasaranga’s brilliance putting the visitors firmly on the back foot.
Wanindu Hasaranga struck thrice, removing Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman.
Asitha Fernando struck early to remove Saim Ayub, putting Pakistan under pressure in the powerplay as ex-captain Babar Azam walked in to join Fakhar Zaman.
Earlier, Sri Lanka won the toss and opt to bowl in the first ODI of a three-match series.
This is the first bilateral ODI series between the two teams since 2019, when Sri Lanka visited Pakistan for the first time since the terror attack on their team in 2009.
Later, the two teams will be joined by Zimbabwe and play a tri-series in the T20I format leading up to the T20 World Cup.
--Agencies
