Debutant Saqib Khan produced a memorable seven-wicket haul, but persistent rain and bad light denied Pakistan and Sri Lanka a result in the opening Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday.Sri Lanka secured a narrow 12-run first-innings lead after scoring 446 in response to Pakistan’s 434/9 declared. The hosts then reached 284/8 in their second innings before both teams settled for a draw, with weather interruptions playing a major role throughout the contest.
Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Mendis put Sri Lanka ahead
Pakistan, after opting to bat first, posted 434/9 declared, with Saud Shakeel leading the scoring with 93. Mohammad Tayyab Arif contributed 57, while Arafat Minhas and Babar Azam also registered half-centuries.In reply, Sri Lanka recovered from early setbacks through a magnificent fifth-wicket partnership between Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis.De Silva scored 167 off 246 deliveries, hitting 20 boundaries, while Mendis contributed 119 from 202 balls, including 10 fours and four sixes.Their partnership took Sri Lanka past the 400-run mark and put the visitors in a strong position. However, Pakistan’s bowlers struck back to restrict them to 446, giving the hosts a slender 12-run lead.
Saqib Khan shines with seven-wicket haul on debut
Saqib Khan emerged as Pakistan’s biggest positive from the contest, delivering an outstanding performance with the ball on his Test debut. The 31-year-old dismissed De Silva early on the fourth morning before removing Mendis shortly afterwards. He continued to trouble the Sri Lankan lower order and finished with figures of 7/130 in 34 overs.Sri Lanka lost their final six wickets for just 42 runs, allowing Pakistan to restrict the visitors’ first-innings advantage.Saqib became only the fourth Pakistan bowler to claim a seven-wicket haul on Test debut, joining Mohammad Zahid, Mohammad Nazir and Abrar Ahmed.
Saud Shakeel’s 97 helps Pakistan fight back
Pakistan faced a challenging situation in their second innings but found resistance through Saud Shakeel. The left-hander scored 97, narrowly missing out on a century, as Pakistan recovered from 125/5 to reach 284/8.With time running out and weather continuing to interrupt play, the two teams eventually agreed to a draw, bringing an end to a closely fought opening Test.
Second Test shifted to Rawalpindi
The opening match was significantly affected by rain and bad light, with several sessions lost during the five days. The second and final Test, originally scheduled to be played in Lahore, has also been moved to Rawalpindi due to worsening smog conditions in Lahore. The match is scheduled to begin on November 17, with both teams looking to take the series lead.