Tayyab Arif shines on debut as Pakistan make strong start against Sri Lanka

RAWALPINDI:Pakistan made an encouraging start to the opening Test against Sri Lanka on Monday as debutant Tayyab Arif struck an impressive half-century to put the hosts in a commanding position during the first session at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

After being asked to bat first, Pakistan reached 137-2 in 30 overs at lunch, with captain Babar Azam unbeaten on 31 and another debutant, Mohammad Taha, providing support on 15.

The spotlight belonged to young opener Tayyab Arif, who announced his arrival in Test cricket with an aggressive and confident innings. The right-handed batter scored 57 off just 51 deliveries, smashing nine boundaries and a six at an impressive strike rate of 111.76.

Arif combined effectively with fellow opener Azan Awais to give Pakistan the perfect start. The pair displayed positive intent from the beginning, taking advantage of loose deliveries and putting the Sri Lankan bowling attack under pressure with a steady flow of boundaries.

Their opening partnership yielded 86 runs, providing the home side with an encouraging platform after Sri Lanka elected to field.

However, the visitors fought back with two quick breakthroughs. Milan Rathnayake ended the partnership in the 16th over by dismissing Awais, who scored 30 from 35 balls, including seven fours.

Sri Lanka strengthened their position in the following over when Asitha Fernando removed Arif, ending the debutant’s impressive knock and preventing him from converting his fifty into a bigger score.

Despite losing both openers in quick succession, Pakistan maintained control of the scoring rate. Captain Babar Azam joined Mohammad Taha in the middle, and the pair focused on rebuilding the innings without allowing the visitors to dominate.

Babar looked composed at the crease, collecting four boundaries in his unbeaten 39-ball innings, while Taha adopted a more cautious approach, scoring 15 from 42 deliveries with two fours.

The pair guided Pakistan beyond the 100-run mark in the 21st over and ensured the hosts entered the lunch interval in a comfortable position.

For Pakistan, Arif’s maiden Test half-century was an encouraging development, particularly as the young opener made an immediate impact on his international debut.

With Babar still at the crease and Taha looking to settle in, Pakistan will aim to build on their positive opening session and post a substantial first-innings total against Sri Lanka.