Salman Ali Agha returned to international cricket in style on Sunday, smashing a century as Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 37 runs in the opening match of the ODI tri-series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. It was a night of redemption for a man who had been sent home mid-tour just months ago.
A Comeback Written in Gold
Not long ago, Salman Ali Agha was on a flight back home in the middle of Pakistan's Test tour of England. Many thought his international days might be over. On Sunday, he answered every doubt with his bat.
Coming in with Pakistan under pressure, he played with calm and power. His 107 came off just 90 balls and included 10 fours and one big six. He built the innings step by step — first steadying the ship, then opening his shoulders in the final overs.
He found good partners along the way. Hasan Nawaz (37) stood with him for a 97-run stand for the fifth wicket. Arafat Minhas (64) then added 64 more with him for the sixth wicket. Earlier, debutant Saad Baig made a brave 39, and Babar Azam added 45.
Pakistan finished on 305 all out in 49.5 overs. For Sri Lanka, Eshan Malinga was the best bowler with a career-best 4 for 46, while Asitha Fernando took 3 for 59. Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bowl — a decision they may regret.
Sri Lanka Fought, Then Fell Away
The chase started well for the visitors. Kamindu Mendis hit a quick 44 at the top, and then Pavan Rathnayake (79) and Janith Liyanage (60) added 119 for the fifth wicket. For a moment, the game looked open.
But once those two fell, Sri Lanka collapsed. They lost their last five wickets for just 15 runs and were bowled out for 268 in 48.1 overs.
Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi led the attack with 3 for 55. Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Faheem Ashraf took two wickets each. The Pakistani bowlers held their nerve when it mattered most.
What This Win Means
This match came just days after the two sides finished a three-match T20I series, which Pakistan won 2-1. The tri-series, which also includes England, now moves on with Pakistan full of confidence.
For Salman Ali Agha, the win means more than two points. He walked back into the team and into the hearts of the fans. Domestic cricket had kept his form alive, and he repaid the selectors' faith in the best way possible — with a century that decided the match.
Pakistan now play England in the second match of the series on Tuesday, also in Rawalpindi. If Sunday's game is anything to go by, the series is going to be a cracker.
A Night Rawalpindi Will Remember
The crowd at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium stood up to applaud when Agha reached his hundred. It was one of those moments that reminds you why cricket matters in Pakistan. A player falls, works hard in domestic cricket, earns his place back, and then delivers on the biggest stage.
His century also carried a message for the dressing room: no spot is guaranteed, but no door is closed either. Young players watching from home will have seen what hard work can do.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will take heart from the fight shown by Rathnayake and Liyanage. They came close in the T20I series too, winning the final game. But close is not enough at this level. Their bowlers will need to find a way to break partnerships earlier if they want to reach the final.
