Rawalpindi: Pakistan enjoyed a productive opening day of the Test match against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi, with four batters registering half-centuries to guide the hosts to 281/5 before bad light brought an early end to proceedings.
The highlight of the day was an impressive debut by 20-year-old opener Tayyab Arif, who announced his arrival in Test cricket with an aggressive 57 off just 51 deliveries. Babar Azam, Mohammad Taha and Saud Shakeel also made valuable contributions, scoring 50, 51 and an unbeaten 57 respectively.
Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis had expected the greenish appearance of the Rawalpindi surface to offer considerable assistance to his fast bowlers. However, the visitors struggled to make the most of the conditions, particularly during the opening session, as Pakistan’s young opening combination took the attack to them.
Arif and fellow opener Azan Awais displayed remarkable confidence, refusing to be intimidated by the Sri Lankan pace attack. Their positive approach put the visitors under immediate pressure, with Pakistan racing to 59 runs in the first 10 overs.
Arif was particularly impressive, punishing loose deliveries and showing excellent composure on debut. He brought up his maiden Test half-century in just 46 balls, striking a boundary off Lahiru Kumara. However, Sri Lanka finally found a breakthrough in the 16th over when Awais edged a delivery from Milan Rathnayake behind to Mendis.
Arif’s promising innings also came to an end shortly afterwards. Asitha Fernando found his outside edge, allowing Mendis to complete another catch behind the stumps. The debutant departed for 57 from 51 balls, having provided Pakistan with an explosive start.
Another young batter, Mohammad Taha, walked in and continued Pakistan’s impressive run. Unlike Arif’s attacking approach, Taha opted for a more cautious innings, focusing on building partnerships and preserving wickets. Alongside captain Babar Azam, he ensured that Pakistan reached lunch without further setbacks.
Pakistan maintained their momentum after the interval, with Azam taking charge against the Sri Lankan bowlers. The former Pakistan captain began the second session in commanding fashion, producing three attractive cover drives, including one that sailed over the infield, off Dilshan Madushanka.
Azam soon brought up his 35th Test half-century, reaching the milestone in only 54 deliveries. However, Madushanka struck back by inducing an outside edge, with Mendis once again completing the catch to dismiss the Pakistan skipper.
Saud Shakeel then joined Taha in the middle, and the pair concentrated on rebuilding the innings. Their 68-run partnership helped Pakistan consolidate their position, although the scoring rate slowed as the hosts prioritised stability.
By the tea interval, Pakistan had moved to 214/3, adding 77 runs during the second session. Taha reached his maiden Test half-century after the break, but the milestone was followed by another dismissal for the hosts.
Left-arm spinner Sonal Dinusha provided Sri Lanka with an important breakthrough when Taha attempted a sweep, only to send the ball ballooning towards first slip, where Dhananjaya de Silva completed the catch.
Pakistan subsequently lost Salman Agha, who was dismissed by Asitha Fernando as Sri Lanka attempted to regain control during the final session.
Shakeel, however, remained firm at the crease and responded positively. He struck three boundaries in an over from Madushanka, reaching his half-century and strengthening Pakistan’s position. The left-hander remained unbeaten on 57 when fading light forced the players off the field after just two deliveries of the 68th over.
Despite losing five wickets, Pakistan finished the opening day in a commanding position, thanks to contributions from across the top and middle order. Sri Lanka will need early breakthroughs on the second morning to prevent the hosts from building a substantial first-innings total.
Brief Scores: Pakistan 281/5 (Saud Shakeel 57*, Tayyab Arif 57, Mohammad Taha 51, Babar Azam 50; Asitha Fernando 2/64) vs Sri Lanka.
