Pakistan Score 281-5 Against Sri Lanka as Four Batters Hit Half-Centuries
RAWALPINDI, November 9, 2026: Pakistan finished the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka at 281 for five wickets at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday, with four batters scoring impressive half-centuries.
Debutants Tayyab Arif and Mohammad Taha made valuable contributions, while captain Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel also reached the 50-run mark to give Pakistan a competitive position in the opening Test.
Play ended early because of bad light, with Pakistan completing 67.2 overs in their first innings.
Tayyab Arif Makes an Impressive Test Debut
Young opening batter Tayyab Arif made an excellent impression in his first Test appearance, scoring 57 runs from just 51 deliveries.
His aggressive innings included nine fours and one six. He also shared an important 86-run opening partnership with Azan Awais, who contributed 30 runs.
Tayyab reached his maiden Test half-century in only 46 balls before Asitha Fernando dismissed him.
Mohammad Taha and Babar Azam Score Fifties
Mohammad Taha also enjoyed a memorable Test debut, scoring 51 runs from 105 balls. His innings included six boundaries and helped Pakistan rebuild after losing both opening batters.
Captain Babar Azam contributed another important half-century, scoring 50 runs from 58 deliveries with seven fours.
However, Dilshan Madushanka dismissed Babar after he completed his half-century, leaving Pakistan at 159 for three.
Saud Shakeel Remains Unbeaten
Middle-order batter Saud Shakeel played a composed innings and remained unbeaten on 57 from 112 balls at the close of play.
He built useful partnerships with Mohammad Taha and Salman Ali Agha, helping Pakistan maintain momentum during the middle and final sessions.
Wicketkeeper-batter Ghazi Ghori was unbeaten on seven when the umpires stopped play because of poor light.
Sri Lankan Bowlers Fight Back
Sri Lanka's bowling attack managed to take five wickets during the day, with Asitha Fernando leading the visitors with two wickets for 64 runs.
Dilshan Madushanka, Milan Rathnayake and Sonal Dinusha claimed one wicket each.
Although Pakistan made a strong start, Sri Lanka recovered by taking regular wickets and preventing the home batters from converting their half-centuries into bigger scores.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka First Test: Day One Score
Pakistan First Innings: 281/5 (67.2 overs)
| Batter | Runs |
|---|---|
| Tayyab Arif | 57 |
| Saud Shakeel | 57* |
| Mohammad Taha | 51 |
| Babar Azam | 50 |
| Azan Awais | 30 |
| Salman Ali Agha | 16 |
| Ghazi Ghori | 7* |
Sri Lanka's best bowler: Asitha Fernando – 2 wickets for 64 runs.
Not out: Saud Shakeel and Ghazi Ghori.
Four Pakistan Players Make Test Debuts
Pakistan handed Test caps to four players during the opening match: Tayyab Arif, Mohammad Taha, Arafat Minhas and Saqib Khan.
The performances of Tayyab and Taha provided an encouraging start for the new players, while their contributions helped Pakistan post a competitive first-day total.
What to Expect on Day Two?
Pakistan will look to extend its first-innings total when play resumes on the second day. Saud Shakeel will be particularly important as he aims to convert his half-century into a bigger score.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will try to dismiss the remaining five Pakistani wickets quickly and prevent the home side from building a substantial total.
The opening day has produced an interesting contest, with Pakistan showing batting strength and Sri Lanka demonstrating its ability to fight back.
Conclusion
Pakistan ended Day One of the first Test against Sri Lanka at 281-5 after four half-centuries from Tayyab Arif, Mohammad Taha, Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel.
With Shakeel still unbeaten, Pakistan will hope to build a stronger total on the second day. Sri Lanka will be aiming for early breakthroughs when play resumes at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Source: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Associated Press and The News International.