Pakistan finished the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka at 281 for five after bad light forced an early end to play at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Captain Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel and Test debutants Muhammad Tayyab Arif and Muhammad Taha played important roles with half-centuries, helping Pakistan establish a competitive position in the first innings.
Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis won the toss and elected to field, hoping to take advantage of the pitch conditions and put early pressure on Pakistan’s batting lineup. However, the home side’s batters showed patience and determination to build a strong total.
Pakistan opened its innings with Azan Awais and Test debutant Muhammad Tayyab Arif. The pair provided an encouraging start, putting together an opening partnership of 86 runs.
Awais was dismissed for 30 after being caught by wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis off the bowling of Milan Rathnayake.
Following his departure, Tayyab Arif continued to bat confidently and completed a half-century on his Test debut. He scored 57 runs before being caught behind by Mendis off Asitha Fernando.
Babar Azam Leads Pakistan with a Half-Century
After the first two wickets fell, captain Babar Azam took responsibility and steadied the innings with a composed performance.
Babar scored 50 runs before being caught by wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis off the bowling of Dilshan Madushanka.
Young batter Muhammad Taha also impressed on his Test debut, scoring an important 51 runs. His half-century helped Pakistan strengthen its position and move towards a competitive first-innings total.
After Taha’s dismissal, Salman Ali Agha could not remain at the crease for long and returned to the pavilion after scoring 16 runs.
Pakistan’s Fall of Wickets
Pakistan lost its first wicket at 86 runs when Azan Awais was dismissed for 30.
The second wicket fell at 90 runs, with Muhammad Tayyab Arif departing after scoring 57.
Babar Azam became the third wicket at a total of 159 runs after completing his half-century.
Pakistan lost its fourth wicket at 227 runs, followed by the fifth at 253.
At the close of play, Pakistan had reached 281 for five when poor light forced the umpires to suspend proceedings.
Sri Lanka Win the Toss and Elect to Bowl
At the start of the match, Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis won the toss and chose to bowl first.
Mendis said the pitch appeared favourable for fast bowlers, prompting his team to take advantage of the conditions and put Pakistan’s batting lineup under pressure.
Considering the pitch conditions, Sri Lanka relied on its pace attack rather than including an experienced specialist spinner in the playing XI.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam said his team would need to bat carefully during the opening sessions. Before the toss, he also confirmed that at least four Pakistani players would make their Test debuts in the match.
Four Pakistan Players Make Their Test Debuts
The Rawalpindi Test is particularly significant for four Pakistani players who received their first opportunity to represent the country in Test cricket.
Opening batter Tayyab Arif, Muhammad Taha, all-rounder Arafat Minhas and fast bowler Saqib Khan were included in the team for their Test debuts.
Tayyab Arif and Muhammad Taha made an immediate impression by scoring half-centuries on the opening day.
Their performances have raised hopes of Pakistan finding promising new options for the future of its Test cricket setup.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka Playing XIs
Pakistan: Babar Azam (captain), Azan Awais, Muhammad Tayyab Arif, Saud Shakeel, Muhammad Taha, Salman Ali Agha, Ghazi Ghori, Razaullah, Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Abbas and Saqib Khan.
Sri Lanka: Kusal Mendis (captain), Lahiru Udara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sonal Dinusha, Milan Rathnayake, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka.
Special Security and Traffic Arrangements in Rawalpindi
Special security and traffic arrangements were also put in place by Rawalpindi Police for the Test match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
On the instructions of City Police Officer (CPO) Hassan Mushtaq Sukhera, police authorities implemented a comprehensive security plan covering the stadium and surrounding areas.
Traffic arrangements were also introduced to facilitate the movement of cricket fans and ensure smooth access to the venue.
Pakistan Target a Big First-Innings Total on Day Two
Pakistan ended the opening day in a promising position at 281 for five. The four half-centuries scored by the batting lineup, including two on debut, provided the team with a solid foundation.
On the second day, Pakistan will look to make the most of its remaining wickets and add as many runs as possible before Sri Lanka begins its first innings.
The opening day was particularly encouraging for Pakistan’s young debutants, who demonstrated confidence and composure at the international level.
The focus now shifts to whether Pakistan can convert its promising start into a substantial first-innings total against Sri Lanka.
