Pakistan declared their first innings at 434 for 9 before Sri Lanka edged ahead with 446, anchored by centuries from Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis. Debutant bowler Saqib Khan shifted the momentum by claiming seven wickets to trigger a major lower-order collapse for the visitors. Pakistan subsequently rebounded from 125 for 5 to reach 284 for 8 in their second turn at bat with Saud Shakeel scoring 97. The sides ultimately settled for a draw after weather conditions repeatedly halted play.
Key points
The 31-year-old Saqib Khan became only the fourth bowler from Pakistan to secure a seven-…: The 31-year-old Saqib Khan became only the fourth bowler from Pakistan to secure a seven-wicket haul on his Test debut.
Severe smog conditions in Lahore prompted officials to relocate the second and final Test…: Severe smog conditions in Lahore prompted officials to relocate the second and final Test match to Rawalpindi.
Both nations will battle for the series victory when the concluding Test match begins on…: Both nations will battle for the series victory when the concluding Test match begins on November 17 in Rawalpindi.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
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…
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