Salman Ali Agha turned a difficult middle-overs position into a match-winning total with a commanding 107 from 90 balls as Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by 37 runs in the opening ODI of the 2026 tri-series at Rawalpindi on 18 October.

The Pakistan all-rounder's fourth ODI century was built around 10 fours and one six, with a strike rate of 118.89. It helped the hosts reach 305 all out in 49.5 overs before their bowlers dismissed Sri Lanka for 268 in 48.1 overs.

A century when Pakistan needed stability

Sri Lanka chose to bowl, and Pakistan's innings had already been disrupted by the time Salman took responsibility in the middle order. Pakistan slipped to 118 for four in the 22nd over, leaving the batting side in need of a partnership rather than another quick wicket.

Babar Azam had made 45 and Saad Baig 39, but Salman changed the direction of the innings alongside Hasan Nawaz. Their 97-run partnership rebuilt the total, while Salman's positive strokeplay ensured Pakistan could keep scoring at a useful rate.

After Nawaz fell for 37, Salman added another 64 runs with Arafat Minhas, who scored 18. Those two stands gave Pakistan the platform to cross 300.

The numbers behind Salman's 107

Salman faced 90 deliveries for his 107, finding the boundary 10 times along the ground and once over it. His century was his fourth in ODI cricket, a significant response on his return to Pakistan's international side.

Rather than relying on one late burst, his innings combined rebuilding with acceleration. He absorbed the pressure of an unsettled middle order and maintained momentum as Pakistan worked towards a competitive total.

The innings ended in the 47th over when Salman was caught by Dasun Shanaka off Asitha Fernando. Pakistan subsequently lost their final five wickets for 26 runs, falling from 279 for five to 305 all out. Eshan Malinga took four for 46 and Fernando claimed three for 59 as Sri Lanka recovered ground in the closing overs.

Why the innings proved decisive

Sri Lanka's reply had considerable resistance. Pavan Rathnayake scored 79 and Janith Liyanage made 60, adding 119 for the fifth wicket to revive the chase. Kamindu Mendis contributed 44, but Pakistan's pace attack eventually closed out the contest.

Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi finished with three for 55, while Naseem Shah took two for 43, Haris Rauf two for 48 and Faheem Ashraf two for 49. Sri Lanka were bowled out for 268 with 11 deliveries remaining.

Salman's contribution therefore did more than supply the highest individual score. In a game Pakistan won by 37 runs, his ability to lift a struggling innings beyond 300 established the foundation for victory. He was named Player of the Match.

A statement before England's visit

The hundred provided a timely reminder of Salman's value to Pakistan's ODI middle order and gave the hosts an opening win in the tri-series involving Sri Lanka and England. Pakistan's next match is against England in Rawalpindi on 20 October.

For Salman's full career information, visit his Cricket Hub player profile. You can also explore the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka match centre, the full scorecard and our detailed match report.