Agha opens up after match-winning ton against Sri Lanka

Pakistan middle-order batter Salman Ali Agha shared his thoughts after scoring an unbeaten century that propelled Pakistan to a winning total against Sri Lanka.

Pakistan sealed a narrow six-run victory over the visitors after amassing 299-5 in their 50 overs.

In reply, Sri Lanka fought till the last over, falling short with 293-9 on the board.

Salman Ali Agha and Hussain Talat starred with the bat, both scoring the bulk of the runs and lifting their team out of trouble with a mammoth 138-run stand on the fifth wicket.

Salman remained unbeaten with 105 from just 87 deliveries, peppered with nine fours, whereas Hussain Talat’s maiden made 62 from 63, striking half a dozen fours and a six.

For Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga picked up three wickets, whereas Asitha Fernando and Maheesh Theekshana managed to scalp one apiece.

Speaking in the post-match presentation, Agha highlighted the partnership and revealed how they batted in a pressure situation.

“I just wanted to be in the present and play on the ball’s merit. That worked. The partnership with Hussain set the tone. We were in a bit of a dig, so we wanted to take the game on,” he said.

“It was not easy to bat against the new ball, but we wanted to play our shots and also take our singles and twos. The running between us was the highlight of the partnership,” Agha explained.

He emphasized Pakistan’s deep batting lineup and said they aimed to amass 100 runs in the last ten overs.

“After 35 overs, Hussain and I were set so we wanted to take the game on. We knew if we take 7-8 per over till over 40, then we have Nawaz later, and Faheem after. So we knew we can score 100 in the last ten so we wanted to take it deep,” he concluded.

The second ODI between the two sides will be played on 13 November at the same venue.