{
  "id": 15452649,
  "title": "Two moments of madness cost Sri Lanka as Pakistan win tri-series opener after Salman Ali Agha century",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/two-moments-of-madness-cost-sri-lanka-as-pakistan-win-tri-series",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-18T17:02:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dawn",
    "slug": "dawn",
    "url": "https://www.dawn.com/news/2038011/two-moments-of-madness-cost-sri-lanka-as-pakistan-win-tri-series-opener-after-salman-ali-agha-century"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Sri Lanka began the One-day International tri-series opener against Pakistan strong, needing only 53 runs to launch a dominant performance. However, two significant errors proved costly. Janith Liyanage's chipped shot to Babar Azam and Dasun Shanaka's heave to Shaheen Shah Afridi resulted in the loss of two key wickets in quick succession. Following this, Naseem Shah struck Sachindu Colombage caught behind, Eshan Malinga was run out due to a mix-up, and Haris Rauf completed the 37-run victory for Pakistan, who had posted 305 runs in their innings. Pakistan's innings concluded with a strong finish from Sri Lankan bowlers, who took five wickets in the last five overs, led by Eshan Malinga with 4-46. Despite openers Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub falling early to Dilshan Madushanka, Babar Azam and Saad Baig steadied the innings with a 74-run partnership. Sri Lanka's collapse, driven by two careless moments, ultimately determined the result and allowed Pakistan to secure a winning start to the tri-series.",
  "summary": "Sri Lanka were cruising. Only 53 runs stood between them and a flying start in the One-day International tri-series opener against Pakistan after Pavan Rathnayake and Janith Liyanage’s 119-run stand. The dew that made the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium outfield relentlessly slick had also deprived Pakistan’s pacers of the chance to extract reverse swing from the old ball. Then came two moments of…",
  "key_points": [
    "Sri Lanka's innings ended at 53 runs needed, due to two costly errors",
    "Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf seal 37-run victory for Pakistan",
    "Eshan Malinga takes 4-46 in final five overs"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Press Journal",
        "title": "Salman Ali Agha's Wife Shares Heart-Warming Moment As Son Watches Father's Century Against Sri Lanka",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/salman-ali-aghas-wife-shares-heart-warming-moment-as-son-watches",
        "published": "2026-10-18T17:09:08.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Island Sri Lanka",
        "title": "Pakistan quicks seal win after Salman Agha ton sets tone",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/pakistan-quicks-seal-win-after-salman-agha-ton-sets-tone",
        "published": "2026-10-18T19:01:57.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}