Rawalpindi Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka ends in a draw

RAWALPINDI (Dunya News) - The first Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka ended in a draw after Pakistan declared their second innings at 284 for eight on the final day in Rawalpindi.

Pakistan’s middle-order batter Saud Shakeel was the standout performer in the second innings, narrowly missing out on a century by just three runs after scoring 97.

Babar Azam contributed 34, while Ghazi Ghori made 35, Mohammad Taha scored 24 and Azan Awais added 22.

Among the other contributors, Tayyab Arif scored 11, Salman Ali Agha made 13 and Arafat Minhas chipped in with 16 runs.

Earlier, Pakistan had declared their first innings at 434. In reply, Sri Lanka posted 446, securing a crucial 12-run lead.

Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis led the way with 119, while Dhananjaya de Silva produced an impressive innings of 167 to help the visitors take the first-innings advantage.

For Pakistan, debutant Saqib Khan delivered an outstanding performance with the ball, claiming seven Sri Lankan wickets.

Saud Shakeel was Pakistan’s leading batter in the first innings as well, scoring 93.

Sri Lanka made an early breakthrough when Lahiru Kumara dismissed overnight batter Azan Awais for 22 with the first ball of the day. Asitha Fernando struck in the following over, removing Mohammad Taha for 24 to leave Pakistan struggling at 57-3.

Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel attempted to stabilise the innings, adding 50 runs for the fourth wicket. However, Azam fell for 34 after playing a loose shot against Milan Rathnayaka, with a fielder at short square leg taking a simple catch. The dismissal extended his wait for a Test century to 42 innings.

Earlier, Pakistan had made a steady start to their second innings on the fourth day. Tayyab Arif scored 11 before being dismissed leg-before by Fernando, while Azan Awais and Mohammad Taha helped rebuild the innings through a partnership.

However, rain and poor light brought an early end to the day's play, with Pakistan at 57-1 after 21.2 overs.