Summary
- Pakistan staged an impressive fightback against Sri Lanka in the opening Test in Rawalpindi, powered by a remarkable seven-wicket haul from debutant fast bowler Saqib Khan.
- The morning session belonged entirely to Saqib, who immediately made an impact by dismissing Sri Lanka’s overnight centurion Dhananjaya de Silva in the opening over.
- The breakthrough opened the door for Pakistan, and Saqib struck again soon afterwards by removing Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis.
The morning session belonged entirely to Saqib, who immediately made an impact by dismissing Sri Lanka’s overnight centurion Dhananjaya de Silva in the opening over. De Silva, who had scored an impressive 167, edged the delivery behind to wicketkeeper Ghazi Ghori without adding to his overnight total.
The breakthrough opened the door for Pakistan, and Saqib struck again soon afterwards by removing Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis. The right-handed batter departed for 119 after building a substantial partnership with De Silva.
The two centurions had combined for a remarkable 249-run stand for the fifth wicket, putting Sri Lanka in a commanding position before Pakistan’s bowling attack turned the momentum around.
De Silva’s marathon innings lasted 405 minutes and included 20 boundaries, while Mendis struck 10 fours and four sixes during his five-hour stay at the crease.
Saqib continued his outstanding spell by claiming the wicket of Sonal Dinusha, who scored 20 before edging the ball to slip. The debutant then wrapped up the tail, dismissing Lahiru Kumara for a duck and Asitha Fernando for four runs.
With his seven-wicket performance, Saqib joined an exclusive group of Pakistani bowlers to claim seven wickets in an innings on their Test debut. The previous members of the group are Mohammad Zahid, Mohammad Nazir and Abrar Ahmed.
Pakistan began their second innings with the responsibility of building a meaningful advantage. However, their progress was interrupted when opener Tayyab Arif was trapped lbw by Asitha Fernando for 11 shortly before lunch.
At the interruption, Pakistan had reached 57-1, with Azan Awais unbeaten on 22 and Mohammad Taha on 24. Their lead had extended to 45 runs, with nine wickets still available.
Bad light initially forced the players off the field before rain further disrupted proceedings, preventing any additional play during the second session.
With more rainfall forecast for Friday, the possibility of a decisive result appears increasingly uncertain. The weather could play a major role in determining the outcome of the opening encounter, potentially leaving both teams with little opportunity to force a victory.
The second and final Test of the series is scheduled to take place in Rawalpindi from November 17, making the remaining hours of the first match particularly important for both sides.
