Rain and bad light brought an early end to the fourth day of the first Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday. The hosts managed to stretch their overall lead to 45 runs despite losing an early wicket, finishing the day at 57 for 1 in their second innings.
Pakistan began their second innings steadily after bowling Sri Lanka out for 446. Opener Tayyab Arif looked positive and struck two boundaries in the early overs but was trapped leg before wicket by Asitha Fernando for 11 off just eight balls. The dismissal left Pakistan at 15 for 1 after 2.2 overs.
Azan Awais and Mohammad Taha then came together and built a useful partnership that helped the home side extend their advantage. At lunch, Azan was unbeaten on 16 while Taha had scored 12. The pair continued to add runs after the break, showing good composure against the Sri Lanka bowlers. However, the weather deteriorated quickly. Bad light followed by rain forced the umpires to take the players off the field, ending the day’s play after only 21.2 overs. At stumps, Azan remained not out on 22 and Taha on 24, with Pakistan holding a 45-run lead.
Earlier in the match, Sri Lanka had responded strongly to Pakistan’s first innings total of 434 for 9. A massive 249-run partnership between Dhananjaya de Silva and captain Kusal Mendis formed the backbone of their innings. Both batters scored centuries and frustrated the home bowlers for a long period.
Pakistan fought back impressively on the fourth morning. Debutant Saqib Khan produced a memorable spell, finishing with outstanding figures of 7 for 130. He removed the well-set de Silva for 167 and then dismissed Kusal Mendis for 119 in successive overs. Saqib also claimed the wickets of Sonal Dinusha, Lahiru Kumara and Asitha Fernando. Mohammad Abbas and Razaullah provided useful support as Sri Lanka lost their last six wickets for just 42 runs.
The weather interruption has left the contest evenly poised heading into the final day. Pakistan will look to build a more substantial lead while Sri Lanka will hope for clearer skies and a chance to fight back.
