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PAK vs SL: Agha Salman equals Shahid Afridi; joins Yousuf on elite list with valiant ton in 1st ODI

Debashis Sarangi

Agha Salman slammed a magnificent ton vs SL [Source: AFP]Agha Salman slammed a magnificent ton vs SL [Source: AFP]

Experienced batter Agha Salman played a crucial role in Pakistan's narrow victory over Sri Lanka in the first ODI on Tuesday. Coming at number five, Agha Salman smashed an unbeaten knock of 105 runs off just 87 deliveries, powering the hosts to a competitive 299-run total. His valiant ton eventually proved just enough, as the visitors were restricted to 293 for nine, losing the game by six runs. 

Agha Salman not only extended his purple patch in ODIs but also equalled the legendary duo of Shahid Afridi and Mohammad Yousuf in separate records following his match-winning innings. 

Most hundreds for Pakistan against Sri Lanka: Salman equals Afridi

This was Agha Salman's second international century against Sri Lanka. Thus, he joined talismanic all-rounder Shahid Afridi, who also has two hundreds against the Island Nation in international cricket. 

Agha Salman has enjoyed stellar success against Sri Lanka, amassing 414 runs in just nine innings at a stupendous average of 69. Meanwhile, Afridi has 1920 runs at an average of 24.61 across 93 matches against the South Asian nation. 

Most centuries for Pakistan at no. 5 in ODIs: Salman joins Mohammad Yousuf

Despite blowing hot and cold in T20I cricket, Agha Salman has been a prolific contributor to Pakistan's success in One-Day Internationals. The right-hander has oozed his class at number five, amassing 934 runs across 24 innings at an average of 46.70 and a strike rate of 94.24. 

Salman's century against Sri Lanka marked his second ton in ODI cricket at number five. Thus, he became the Pakistan batter with the joint-most ODI centuries at five, equalling Mohammad Yousuf's tally. 

While Yousuf took 82 innings to register two ODI tons at 5, Salman has done it in just 24 innings. His batting form is a massive boost for Pakistan, as the hosts look to claim the series ahead of the penultimate clash on November 13.