Pakistan posts 137 in Sri Lanka test opener
A 20-year-old debutant hit five boundaries and a six to lead a new-look lineup on day one.
By Renata Mehta ·
Tayyab Arif scored 57 runs in his first Test match, anchoring a strong start for Pakistan against Sri Lanka on Monday in Rawalpindi.
The 20-year-old right-hander faced 46 balls to reach his half-century. He hit nine boundaries and one six during his innings. Pakistan reached 137 for two at lunch. The home side lost no further wickets before the interval break.
Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis won the toss and elected to bowl first on a green pitch. His decision allowed the new Pakistani lineup to set an early target. The hosts raced to 86 without loss in the first 16 overs.
Sri Lanka broke the stand between Arif and opening partner Azan Awais in successive overs. Mendis took two catches to dismiss both batsmen. Awais departed with a score of 30. Arif fell while attempting to play away from his body.
Babar Azam remained unbeaten on 31 at the lunch break. Mohammad Taha, also on his Test debut, survived a close leg before wicket review against Milan Rathnayake. Rathnayake finished the morning session with figures of one for 18 from eight overs.
Pakistan fielded three other debutants in this series. Arafat Minhas, a spin allrounder, and fast bowler Saqib Khan made their Test debuts. The team aims to strengthen its squad for the upcoming World Test Championship cycle.
Pakistan sits in last place in the WTC standings after winning two of its nine matches in the current cycle. Sri Lanka ranks seventh in the standings with one win, three draws, and two losses in six Tests.
