Shakeel’s 93, Saqib’s Debut Strikes Put Pakistan in Command Against Sri Lanka

Pakistan gained firm control of the 1st Test against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi by the close of Day 2, building a commanding first-innings total of 434 before reducing Sri Lanka to 114/3 at stumps.

Shakeel Anchors the Innings: Resuming on Day 2, Saud Shakeel anchored Pakistan’s lower-middle order with a composed 93 off 193 balls. He added key partnerships with debutant wicketkeeper Ghazi Ghori (48) and all-rounder Arafat Minhas, who stroked a maiden Test half-century (52) to push Pakistan past 400.

Lower-Order Contributions: Shakeel put together a steady 96-run 6th-wicket stand with wicketkeeper Ghazi Ghori (48). Debutant Arafat Minhas then accelerated the scoring with his maiden Test fifty (52 off 72 balls, featuring 9 fours and a six), pushing Pakistan past 400 before captain Babar Azam declared at 434/9.

Sri Lanka’s Bowling Performance: Fast bowlers Dilshan Madushanka (3/108) and Asitha Fernando (3/107) were the primary wicket-takers for the visitors.

Saqib Khan’s Debut Strike: In response, Sri Lanka got off to a turbulent start against Pakistan’s pace attack. Debutant fast bowler Saqib Khan struck early, removing Lahiru Udara (42) and Dinesh Chandimal to finish the day with figures of 2/54. Mohammad Abbas picked up the third wicket.

Current Situation: Kamindu Mendis (40*) and Dhananjaya de Silva (22*) held ground with an unbeaten 49-run partnership before bad light halted play. Sri Lanka trail by 320 runs heading into Day 3 with 7 wickets in hand.