Pakistan made a promising start to the opening Test against Sri Lanka, thanks to an impressive debut performance from Tayyab Arif. The young batter scored a half-century as the hosts reached 137-2 at lunch on Monday.
The first match of the two-Test series began at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bowl on a green pitch, hoping to exploit the early conditions.
However, Pakistan’s opening partnership gave the hosts a confident start before the visitors claimed two important wickets.
Tayyab Arif Shines With Half-Century on Test Debut
The 20-year-old Tayyab Arif impressed with an attacking 57-run innings from just 51 deliveries. His knock included nine boundaries and one six, helping Pakistan establish early control.
Arif also shared an 86-run opening partnership with Azan Awais, who contributed 30 runs. The pair handled Sri Lanka’s pace attack confidently and provided a solid foundation.
Sri Lanka finally broke the partnership in the 16th over. Milan Rathnayaka dismissed Awais after the opener edged the delivery behind to wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis.
Pakistan then lost another wicket when Asitha Fernando found an edge off Arif’s bat. Mendis completed the catch, leaving the hosts at 90-2.
Babar Azam and Mohammad Taha Steady Pakistan
Pakistan captain Babar Azam remained unbeaten on 31 at the lunch interval. Meanwhile, another debutant, Mohammad Taha, supported him with an unbeaten 15.
Azam survived a few uncomfortable moments early in his innings. However, he gradually settled down and struck four boundaries to strengthen Pakistan’s position.
Taha also looked confident during his early time at the crease. Together, the pair helped Pakistan reach 137-2 without further losses before lunch.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka Compete in World Test Championship
The two-Test series forms part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. Pakistan currently occupy the bottom position in the standings, while Sri Lanka sit seventh.
Pakistan have introduced several new players as they look to strengthen their squad. Besides Arif and Taha, all-rounder Arafat Minhas and fast bowler Saqib Khan are also making their Test debuts.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, entered the opening match with four specialist fast bowlers and no frontline spinner. Their bowling attack therefore relies heavily on pace and seam movement.
PCB Makes Additional Changes to Pakistan’s Test Squad
Ahead of the series, the Pakistan Cricket Board added Aamir Jamal and three uncapped players to the original Test squad. The move increased the squad’s strength to 16 players.
Mohammad Tayyab Arif, fast bowlers Ali Shabbir and Saqib Khan earned their first call-ups. Their selections followed impressive domestic performances and appearances in a three-day practice match.
The PCB Patron’s XI played that practice match against Sri Lanka at Islamabad Club from November 4 to 6.
The board also released Ali Usman and Abdullah Fazal from the original 14-member squad.
Sri Lanka Name Experienced Squad for Pakistan Series
Sri Lanka, led by Kusal Mendis, selected a 15-member squad for the two-Test series. The team includes experienced campaigners Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva and Prabath Jayasuriya.
Pathum Nissanka also remains in contention for the visitors.
Pakistan squad: Babar Azam (captain), Aamir Jamal, Ali Shabbir, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Suleman, Mohammad Taha, Mohammad Tayyab Arif, Razaullah, Saad Baig (wicketkeeper), Salman Ali Agha, Sameer Minhas, Saqib Khan and Saud Shakeel.
With Arif already making an impressive impression on debut, Pakistan will look to build on their promising start. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka will aim to secure early breakthroughs when play resumes after lunch.
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