Pakistan ended the first Test against Sri Lanka on day one at 281 for five after 67.2 overs at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday. Saud Shakeel remained unbeaten on 57, while Ghazi Ghouri was not out on seven when poor light forced an early stoppage.
Tayyab Arif and Muhammad Taha also scored half-centuries, contributing 57 and 51 runs, respectively. Captain Babar Azam scored 50, while Azan Awais added 30 and Salman Ali Agha managed 16.
Earlier, Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field against Pakistan. Speaking at the toss, Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis said his team had included four fast bowlers in the playing XI. Pakistan captain Babar Azam said his side would look to play to its strengths during the opening session, adding that the team also had experienced players in its ranks.
Four players, Tayyab Arif, Muhammad Taha, Arafat Minhas and Saqib Khan are making their Test debuts for Pakistan in the opening match of the two-Test series. Pakistan enjoyed a productive opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka, reaching 281 for five in 67.2 overs at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday, with two debutants scoring impressive half-centuries.
Play was brought to an early close due to bad light, with Saud Shakeel unbeaten on 57 and wicketkeeper-batter Ghazi Ghori at the crease on seven. Pakistan introduced four new players to Test cricket in the opening match, handing debuts to Tayyab Arif, Mohammad Taha, Arafat Minhas and Saqib Khan. However, it was the two debutant batters who stole the spotlight with valuable contributions.
After Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis elected to field, Tayyab launched an attacking assault, scoring 57 from 51 deliveries. His innings featured nine boundaries and a six, providing Pakistan with an impressive start. The right-handed opener shared an 86-run partnership with Azan Awais, who scored 30 off 50 balls. Tayyab reached his maiden Test fifty in just 46 deliveries before Asitha Fernando ended his innings.
Mohammad Taha, meanwhile, displayed patience and resilience during his first Test appearance. The left-hander made 51 from 105 balls, hitting six boundaries and completing his maiden Test half-century off 101 deliveries. Skipper Babar Azam also contributed a valuable fifty, scoring 50 off 58 balls with the help of seven boundaries before Dilshan Madushanka dismissed him.
