Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Day 3 Live Update

Sri Lanka reached 218/4 in their first innings on Day 3 of the opening Test against Pakistan at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, but still face a sizeable deficit after the hosts declared at 434/9.

Dhananjaya de Silva remained unbeaten on 85 off 119 deliveries, keeping the visitors' innings together after an early collapse. He struck nine boundaries and looked comfortable at the crease as Pakistan searched for another breakthrough.

The Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st Test took an early turn when the visitors lost two wickets for just 12 runs. Pasindu Sooriyabandara departed for a duck before Dinesh Chandimal fell for one, with Mohammad Abbas and Saqib Khan doing the damage.

Lahiru Udara briefly steadied the innings with 42 off 52 balls. However, Saqib removed him at 65, leaving Sri Lanka three wickets down and under pressure.

Dhananjaya and Kamindu lead Sri Lanka's recovery

Kamindu Mendis joined de Silva and helped rebuild the innings. The pair added 90 runs for the fourth wicket, taking Sri Lanka from 65/3 to 155/4.

Kamindu contributed 58 from 131 deliveries, hitting eight fours before Ghazi Ghori took the catch off Mohammad Abbas.

De Silva continued his resistance after that dismissal. He found another partner in captain Kusal Mendis, who remained unbeaten on 20 from 46 balls. Their partnership carried Sri Lanka past 200 and reduced Pakistan's advantage.

At 218/4 after 58.4 overs, Sri Lanka still trail by 216 runs. They need another 17 runs to reach 235, the target required to avoid the follow-on in this five-day Test.

Pakistan bowlers keep the pressure on

Saqib Khan and Mohammad Abbas have shared four wickets between them. Saqib returned figures of 2/82 from 19.4 overs, while Abbas picked up 2/33 in 17 overs, including eight maiden overs.

Arafat Minhas and Razaullah have yet to take a wicket, although both have kept their spells going. Minhas conceded 36 runs from nine overs, while Razaullah gave away 62 in 13 overs.

Pakistan's first innings was built around several useful contributions. Saud Shakeel scored 93, while debutant Arafat Minhas added 52. Babar Azam also reached a half-century, and Tayyab Arif and Mohammad Taha contributed 57 and 51 respectively. Pakistan declared at 434/9 after 106.3 overs.

The Sri Lanka first innings score now stands at 218/4, with de Silva and Kusal still at the crease. Pakistan remain in a strong position, but Sri Lanka's remaining six wickets will determine how quickly the hosts can take control of the match.

Watch Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Live on tapmad

Catch the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st Test live action on tapmad as both sides battle for an advantage in the opening match of the two-Test series. Follow live cricket action, score updates and key moments throughout the five days.