Pakistan set a target of 300 runs for Sri Lanka in the opening match of the three-match One Day International (ODI) series in Rawalpindi on Tuesday.

Batting first on Sri Lanka’s invitation, Pakistan posted 299 runs for the loss of five wickets in the allotted 50 overs.

All-rounder Salman Ali Agha starred for the Green Shirts with a brilliant unbeaten century, dominating the Sri Lankan bowling attack.

Salman scored 105 not out off 87 balls, including nine boundaries, marking his second century in ODI cricket.

He shared a 66-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Mohammad Nawaz, who remained unbeaten on 36.

Other notable contributions came from Hussain Talat, who scored 62, Fakhar Zaman with 32, and Babar Azam with 29.

For Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga was the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets for 54 runs.

Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka had won the toss and opted to field in the opening match of the series.

In his comments at the toss, Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi said, “If we had won the toss, we too would have bowled first because of the dew factor. Rawalpindi is a high-scoring ground, and like the previous series, we will try to perform well in this series as well.”

Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka commented, “The pitch is good, but there is a possibility of dew. There are no major changes in our team, except that Hisaranga has returned, and Kamil Mishara is making his debut today. We will try to perform well in the series.”