Pakistan make solid start as four batters hit half-centuries against Sri Lanka

Pakistan make solid start as four batters hit half-centuries against Sri Lanka

Debutants Tayyab Arif and Mohammad Taha impress as hosts reach 281 for five on opening day in Rawalpindi

Pakistan made a promising start to the first Test against Sri Lanka, reaching 281 for five in 67.2 overs on the opening day at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday, with four batsmen registering half-centuries.

Captain Babar Azam and debutants Tayyab Arif and Mohammad Taha were among the leading contributors, while Saud Shakeel remained unbeaten on 57 when bad light forced an early close to play.

Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis elected to field after winning the toss, hoping to exploit the grass covering on the pitch with a four-pronged pace attack. However, the decision initially failed to produce the desired results as Pakistan’s opening pair put the visitors under pressure.

Tayyab, making his Test debut, produced an impressive attacking innings of 57 off just 51 deliveries, striking nine fours and a six. He shared an 86-run opening partnership with Azan Awais, who contributed 30 before being caught behind off Milan Rathnayake.

Asitha Fernando provided Sri Lanka with their second breakthrough, dismissing Tayyab to leave Pakistan at 90 for two.

Babar then joined Mohammad Taha to rebuild the innings. The Pakistan captain looked fluent, scoring 50 off 58 balls with seven boundaries before Dilshan Madushanka found his edge after lunch.

Taha demonstrated considerable composure on debut, scoring 51 off 105 deliveries, while building an important partnership with Saud. He eventually fell to Sonal Dinusha, giving Sri Lanka a timely breakthrough.

Salman Ali Agha added 16 before falling to Fernando, who finished with two wickets for 64 runs.

Saud, however, remained firm at the other end, compiling an unbeaten 57 from 112 deliveries, while wicketkeeper Ghazi Ghori was unbeaten on seven.

Bad light brought proceedings to an early conclusion with Pakistan at 281 for five after 67.2 overs.

Sri Lanka will look to make early inroads on the second morning and prevent Pakistan from building a substantial first-innings total.