Pakistan resume batting at 281-5 against Sri Lanka on Day 2

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan resumed their first innings at 281-5 on the second day of the opening Test against Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, looking to build on an impressive batting performance that put the hosts in a commanding position.

Pakistan enjoyed a productive opening day, scoring 281 runs in 67.2 overs after being asked to bat first. Four batters reached half-centuries, including debutants Tayyab Arif and Mohammad Taha, captain Babar Azam and middle-order batter Saud Shakeel.

The hosts made an aggressive start through openers Azan Awais and Tayyab, who put together an 86-run partnership for the first wicket. Both batters attacked the Sri Lankan bowling attack confidently, taking Pakistan past the 50-run mark during the opening session.

Azan was the first to depart, scoring 30 off 35 deliveries, including seven boundaries, after being dismissed by Milan Rathnayake in the 16th over.

Sri Lanka struck again in the following over when Asitha Fernando removed debutant Tayyab, who produced an impressive 57 off 51 balls, featuring nine fours and a six.

Babar then joined Mohammad Taha at the crease, and the pair added 69 runs for the third wicket to consolidate Pakistan’s position.

Babar brought up his 35th Test half-century before Dilshan Madushanka ended his innings at 50 off 58 deliveries, including seven boundaries. Pakistan were 159-3 at that stage.

Taha continued his impressive debut performance alongside Saud Shakeel, with the two adding 68 runs for the fourth wicket. The young batter completed his maiden Test half-century, scoring 51 off 105 balls with six boundaries.

Sonal Dinusha eventually dismissed Taha in the 56th over, claiming his first wicket of the innings.

Shakeel remained composed at the crease and reached his 12th Test half-century, further strengthening Pakistan’s position. However, Asitha Fernando struck again to remove Salman Ali Agha for 16 off 22 deliveries.

Bad light brought an early end to the opening day’s proceedings, with Shakeel unbeaten on 57 off 112 balls, including seven boundaries, while Ghazi Ghori was not out on seven.

Pakistan will now look to extend their first-innings total on the second day, while Sri Lanka will aim to make early breakthroughs and prevent the hosts from building an even bigger score.

The Rawalpindi Test is the opening match of the two-Test series between the neighbouring sides.