Pakistan scored 281 runs for the loss of five wickets on the opening day of the first Test against
Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday. Test debutants Tayyab Arif and
Mohammad Taha impressed with half-centuries in their first international Test appearance.
The first day ended early because of poor light. Pakistan had played 67.2 overs by the time the
umpires stopped the match. Saud Shakeel was not out on 57, while wicketkeeper-batter Ghazi
Ghori remained unbeaten on seven.

Pakistan included four debutants in the playing XI: Tayyab Arif, Mohammad Taha, Arafat Minhas
and Saqib Khan. Tayyab and Taha made valuable contributions with the bat.
Sri Lanka won the toss and decided to field first. Tayyab gave Pakistan a strong start with an
aggressive innings. He scored 57 runs from just 51 balls, hitting nine fours and one six. He
reached his first Test half-century in only 46 balls.

Tayyab also shared an opening partnership of 86 runs with Azan Awais. Awais scored 30 runs
from 50 balls before Asitha Fernando dismissed him.

Mohammad Taha showed patience and confidence during his debut innings. He scored 51 runs
from 105 balls, including six boundaries. He completed his first Test half-century after facing 101
deliveries.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam also played an important innings. He scored 50 runs from 58
balls, hitting seven fours. Dilshan Madushanka took his wicket.

Saud Shakeel continued to build Pakistan’s innings and remained unbeaten at the close of play.
He scored 57 runs from 112 balls, including seven boundaries. His partnership with Taha helped
Pakistan strengthen its position.

For Sri Lanka, Asitha Fernando was the leading wicket-taker, claiming two wickets for 64 runs.

Score at Stumps – Day 1:

● Pakistan: 281-5 in 67.2 overs
● Tayyab Arif: 57
● Saud Shakeel: 57 not out
● Mohammad Taha: 51
● Babar Azam: 50
● Asitha Fernando: 2 wickets for 64 runs

Pakistan will continue its first innings on the second day, with Saud Shakeel and Ghazi Ghori at
the crease.

Source: First Test match score update, Pakistan vs Sri Lanka.

Razia khan