Rawalpindi, October 19, 2026: Pakistan batter Salman Ali Agha marked a remarkable return to international cricket with a commanding century against Sri Lanka in the opening match of the ODI tri-series, helping Pakistan secure a 37-run victory in Rawalpindi.
Agha scored 107 runs from 90 balls, striking 10 fours and one six, as Pakistan posted 305 before bowling Sri Lanka out for 268. The innings was also his fourth ODI century and helped him achieve a new Pakistan batting record.
Salman Agha Scores Match-Winning 107
Batting at No. 5, Agha produced a controlled yet attacking innings at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
He reached 107 from just 90 deliveries at a strike rate of 118.89, providing the backbone of Pakistan’s innings after Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bowl first.
His knock included 10 boundaries and a six before Asitha Fernando eventually dismissed him.
Agha Breaks Mohammad Yousuf’s Pakistan Record
The century helped Salman Ali Agha set a unique ODI record for Pakistan.
With his latest hundred, Agha moved ahead of former Pakistan great Mohammad Yousuf for the most ODI centuries by a Pakistani batter while regularly batting at No. 5 or lower.
The achievement puts him among a select group of lower-middle-order batters who have consistently converted innings into hundreds in ODI cricket.
Fourth ODI Century for Salman Agha
The century against Sri Lanka was Agha’s fourth hundred in One-Day International cricket.
Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed that his 107 was his fourth ODI century as he returned to the national side with an important contribution in the tri-series opener.
The innings also came at an important stage of his career after a difficult period in which he lost his T20I captaincy and was dropped from Pakistan’s Test side.
Strong Comeback After Difficult International Run
Agha had not played international cricket since August and was forced to return to Pakistan’s domestic system to regain form.
According to the ICC, the 32-year-old responded strongly by scoring an unbeaten triple-century in the President’s Trophy Grade-I competition in September before adding another century later in the month.
Those domestic performances helped him earn another opportunity with the Pakistan ODI side.
Agha Says Domestic Cricket Helped Him Regain Form
Following his match-winning innings, Agha credited his return to domestic cricket with helping him rediscover his rhythm and confidence.
He said playing several first-class matches allowed him to spend significant time at the crease and reconnect with his batting after a challenging period at international level.
His performance against Sri Lanka suggested that the move back to domestic cricket had paid off immediately.
Pakistan Post 305 Despite Late Collapse
Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 305 in 49.5 overs.
Along with Agha’s century, Babar Azam contributed 45 runs while ODI debutant Saad Baig scored 39.
Hasan Nawaz added 37 as Pakistan built a competitive total, although Sri Lanka’s bowlers fought back strongly towards the end of the innings.
Eshan Malinga Leads Sri Lankan Bowling Attack
Sri Lanka pacer Eshan Malinga was the standout bowler for the visitors, finishing with figures of four wickets for 46 runs.
Sri Lanka restricted Pakistan effectively in the final five overs, conceding only 36 runs while taking five wickets during that period.
However, Agha’s century had already ensured Pakistan had enough runs to put pressure on the visitors.
Sri Lanka Fight Back During Chase
Chasing 306 for victory, Sri Lanka remained competitive through a 119-run fifth-wicket partnership between Janith Liyanage and Pavan Rathnayake.
Rathnayake scored 79, while Liyanage contributed 60 as the pair threatened to take control of the chase.
Pakistan’s fast bowlers, however, broke the partnership and regained momentum during the closing stages.
Pakistan Pacers Take All 10 Wickets
Pakistan’s fast-bowling attack accounted for all 10 Sri Lankan wickets.
Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi led the attack with three wickets, while Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Faheem Ashraf also contributed as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 268 in 48.1 overs.
The result gave Pakistan a 37-run victory and a winning start to the ODI tri-series.
Agha’s Celebration Draws Attention
Agha’s celebration after reaching his century also attracted attention on social media.
He placed a finger near his eye after completing the hundred, leading to speculation that the gesture may have been aimed at critics following his recent removal from the side.
Agha later clarified that the celebration was intended for his son and was not a message to critics.
Agha Says He Has Nothing to Prove
Speaking after the match, Agha dismissed suggestions that his century was intended as a response to those who had criticised or dropped him.
He said his focus was on enjoying cricket rather than proving people wrong, while acknowledging that returning to domestic competition had helped him rediscover his passion for the game.
Pakistan Make Strong Start to ODI Tri-Series
The victory gave Pakistan a strong start to the tri-series, which also features England.
Pakistan are scheduled to face England next in Rawalpindi, while Sri Lanka will also take on England before the tournament moves to Lahore.
Agha’s century and new batting record have made his comeback one of the major talking points from the opening match, particularly after the challenges he faced earlier in the year.
Source: ICC, Pakistan Cricket Board, NDTV Sports, AP, The Indian Express
Supreme News Network
