Agha’s century and Ashraf’s relay catch lift Pakistan to 37-run win over Sri Lanka

Agha leads Pakistan to 305

Salman Ali Agha struck 107 from 90 balls as Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 37 runs in the one-day international in Rawalpindi. Pakistan, sent in to bat, were all out for 305 in 49.5 overs.

Agha anchored the innings after early wickets, with Babar Azam making 45 and debutant wicketkeeper Saad Baig adding 39. Hasan Nawaz contributed 37. Babar also passed 16,000 international runs, according to the match report, becoming the fifth Pakistan batter to reach the milestone.

Ashraf rescues a dropped chance

Sri Lanka began their chase steadily, putting on 30 for the first wicket, before an unusual catch ended Avishka Fernando’s innings in the sixth over. Fernando top-edged a short delivery from Naseem Shah towards short fine leg. Baig got both hands to the ball but lost his balance and could not hold it; Faheem Ashraf, stationed behind him, reacted quickly and caught the rebound.

The dismissal helped Pakistan break the opening stand, and the hosts kept taking wickets despite resistance from Pavan Rathnayake, who scored 79, and Janith Liyanage, who made 60. Kamindu Mendis added 44. Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 268 in 48.1 overs.

Pakistan’s attack closes out the chase

Shaheen Shah Afridi took three wickets, while Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Faheem Ashraf claimed two apiece. Rathnayake and Liyanage’s partnership briefly gave Sri Lanka a route back into the contest, but Pakistan’s bowlers broke through and completed the 37-run win.