Salman Ali Agha joins elite record that includes MS Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh with document ODI feat

Salman Ali Agha made a major addition to Pakistan’s ODI document books with a century in opposition to Sri Lanka within the opening match of the continuing tri-series, changing into the nation’s most prolific centurion amongst batters who’ve repeatedly featured at No. 5 or decrease.The former Pakistan T20I captain struck 107 off 90 balls, together with 10 fours and a six, to assist the hosts submit 305 in 49.5 overs on the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday. Pakistan went on to register a 37-run victory after Sri Lanka suffered a dramatic collapse late of their chase.The hundred was Agha’s fourth in 54 ODIs for Pakistan, with all 4 coming whereas batting at No. 5 or decrease. His newest effort took him previous former Pakistan batter Mohammad Yousuf, with whom he had beforehand shared the nationwide document for probably the most ODI centuries from these positions.Yousuf scored three tons of whereas batting at No. 5 or decrease in ODIs. Between 1998 and 2009, he performed 114 matches in these positions, establishing himself as considered one of Pakistan’s most completed batters.Agha has now moved forward of him, with three of his 4 ODI centuries coming particularly at No. 5. He has achieved that feat in simply 33 matches batting within the place, making him the primary Pakistani to attain three ODI tons of at No. 5.Before Agha, Yousuf was the one Pakistan batter to have scored a number of ODI centuries at that place, registering two tons of in 84 matches at No. 5.While Agha has established a brand new Pakistan document, the general mark for probably the most ODI centuries scored at No. 5 or decrease stays with England’s Jos Buttler and South Africa’s David Miller.

Most ODI 100s as a No. 5 or decrease batter

Both have eight tons of in these positions. India’s MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh completed their ODI careers with seven centuries apiece, whereas AB de Villiers, Andrew Symonds, Eoin Morgan and Sikandar Raza have six every.Agha’s newest achievement additional underlined his rising significance to Pakistan’s center order, along with his century offering the muse for a aggressive whole within the collection opener.

Pakistan capitalise on Sri Lanka’s late collapse

Agha’s contribution proved decisive as Pakistan held their nerve to safe the win after Sri Lanka had mounted a powerful restoration in the course of the chase.Sri Lanka had slipped to 91/4 within the twentieth over however rebuilt their innings by Janith and Pavan Rathnayake, who mixed for a 119-run partnership. The rising dew additionally appeared to make batting simpler, permitting the pair to revive their facet’s hopes.Dasun Shanaka added momentum with an attacking 25 off 14 balls. With 5 wickets nonetheless in hand, Sri Lanka wanted simply 58 runs from the ultimate eight overs and regarded effectively positioned to finish the chase.However, the sport turned sharply when Janith and Shanaka have been dismissed inside 4 deliveries. Pakistan seized the chance, eradicating Sri Lanka’s closing 5 batters for simply 15 runs to seal a 37-run victory.Sri Lanka coach Gary Kirsten was visibly annoyed by the style during which his facet surrendered its place after combating again into rivalry.Earlier, Agha had additionally obtained beneficial help from Pakistan’s decrease order. He added 97 runs for the fifth wicket with Hasan Nawaz, who scored 37 off 49 balls, earlier than one other 64-run stand with Arafat Minhas, who contributed 18 off 15 deliveries.