Pakistan Lead Sri Lanka by 139 Runs as Day 5 Reaches Lunch

Pakistan reached 151/5 at lunch on Day 5 of the first Test against Sri Lanka, extending their overall lead to 139 runs at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday.

Saud Shakeel was holding one end together on 23 not out from 85 deliveries, while wicketkeeper Ghazi Ghori remained unbeaten on seven. The hosts had 50 overs remaining in their second innings at the interval, but five wickets were already down.

The Pakistan vs Sri Lanka live contest has become a battle against the clock as much as the opposition. With the draw carrying a 95% win probability at lunch, Pakistan face a difficult task if they want to force a result.

Sri Lankan bowlers keep Pakistan in check

Sri Lanka's bowling attack made regular breakthroughs during the morning session, preventing Pakistan from building a commanding second-innings total.

Milan Rathnayake was among the most effective performers, taking two wickets for 32 runs in 15 overs. Asitha Fernando also claimed two wickets, conceding just 20 runs from his 10 overs.

Lahiru Kumara picked up one wicket for 42 runs, while Dilshan Madushanka went wicketless despite bowling 12 overs.

Pakistan's batting effort was led by Babar Azam, who scored 34 from 48 deliveries before falling to Rathnayake. Azan Awais contributed 22, while Mohammad Taha added 24.

Salman Ali Agha managed 13 before becoming Rathnayake's second victim. Pakistan then lost another wicket, leaving Shakeel and Ghori to rebuild.

Pakistan need to make the remaining time count

The hosts entered their second innings after Sri Lanka posted 446 in reply to Pakistan's first-innings declaration of 434/9. That gave the visitors a 12-run advantage.

Pakistan's first innings featured useful contributions from Saud Shakeel (93), Mohammad Tayyab Arif (57), Mohammad Taha (51), Babar Azam (50) and Arafat Minhas (52).

However, lost playing time has complicated the match. Rain and bad light disrupted earlier sessions, leaving both sides with fewer opportunities to secure a victory.

For Pakistan, the immediate priority is to add enough runs to put Sri Lanka under pressure. Shakeel's presence gives the hosts some stability, but the lower order will also need to contribute.

The Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Test Day 5 battle remains finely balanced in terms of the result, with the visitors needing to chase whatever target Pakistan eventually set.

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Play resumes after lunch, with Pakistan 151/5 and holding a 139-run advantage. Watch the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka test live on tapmad and stay up to date. Fans can watch post-match highlights, along with live streaming of other bilateral cricket series, only on tapmad.