First ODI: Ton-up Babar helps Pakistan ease past Sri Lanka
Babar Azam scored an impressive hundred while Shoaib Malik smashed a quickfire half-century to help Pakistan thump Sri Lanka by 83 runs in the first one-day international in Dubai on Friday.
Azam compiled a well-made 103 from 131 deliveries, while Malik's 81 came off only 61 balls in Pakistan's total of 292-6, before pacemen Hasan Ali (3-36) and Rumman Raees (3-49) restricted Sri Lanka to 209-8 from their 50 overs.
The victory was a good response by Pakistan after losing the preceding two-match Test series 2-0, in their first ODI since winning the Champions Trophy in England four months ago.
Lahiru Thirimanne was the only Sri Lankan top-order batsman who played with any authority for his 53 as Pakistan took regular wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.