RAWALPINDI: Pakistan moved into a narrow position of advantage against Sri Lanka in the opening Test after extending their overall lead to 45 runs on the fourth day at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
The hosts reached 57 for one in their second innings when bad light and rain forced an early end to proceedings, leaving the match finely poised ahead of the final day’s play.
Pakistan lost opener Tayyab Arif early after he struck two boundaries in his brief stay at the crease. The right-hander was trapped leg-before-wicket by Asitha Fernando for 11 off just eight deliveries, leaving Pakistan at 15 for one after 2.2 overs.
However, Azan Awais and Mohammad Taha steadied the innings with an unbeaten second-wicket partnership of 42 runs. Awais was unbeaten on 22 off 65 deliveries, while Taha remained not out on 24 from 55 balls as Pakistan reached 57 for one in 21.2 overs.
Earlier, Sri Lanka were dismissed for 446 in their first innings, giving them a slender 12-run lead over Pakistan’s declared total of 434 for nine.
Resuming the day at 404 for four, Sri Lanka appeared well placed to build a substantial first-innings advantage, with centurions Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis at the crease.
However, Pakistan’s debutant fast bowler Saqib Khan produced a remarkable bowling performance to turn the game around, claiming seven wickets for 130 runs.
De Silva, who resumed on 150, added 17 runs before falling for an outstanding 167 off 246 deliveries, including 20 boundaries. His dismissal ended a magnificent 249-run fifth-wicket partnership with captain Kusal Mendis.
Mendis also departed after an impressive 119 off 202 balls, an innings featuring 10 fours and four sixes.
The collapse continued as Saqib dismantled the Sri Lankan lower order, removing Sonal Dinusha (20), Lahiru Kumara (0) and Asitha Fernando (4) to complete his seven-wicket haul. Mohammad Abbas supported him with two wickets for 68 runs, while Razaullah claimed one wicket.
Sri Lanka, who had looked firmly in control at 404 for four, lost their remaining six wickets for just 42 runs.
With Pakistan now holding a 45-run advantage and nine second-innings wickets intact, the final day promises an intriguing finish. Sri Lanka will need early breakthroughs to prevent the hosts from building a challenging target, while Pakistan will look to strengthen their position and put the visitors under pressure.
SCOREBOARD – FOURTH DAY
Pakistan – First Innings: 434 for 9 declared (106.3 overs)
Saud Shakeel 93, Tayyab Arif 57, Mohammad Taha 51, Babar Azam 50, Azan Awais 30.
Asitha Fernando 3/107, Dilshan Madushanka 3/108.
Sri Lanka – First Innings: 446 all out (117.2 overs)
Dhananjaya de Silva 167, Kusal Mendis 119, Kamindu Mendis 58, Lahiru Udara 42, Sonal Dinusha 20.
Saqib Khan 7/130, Mohammad Abbas 2/68, Razaullah 1/140.
Pakistan – Second Innings: 57 for 1 (21.2 overs)
Azan Awais 22 not out, Mohammad Taha 24 not out, Tayyab Arif 11.
Asitha Fernando 1/10.
Pakistan lead by 45 runs with nine wickets remaining.
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