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.

<h2>Sri Lankan bowlers keep Pakistan in check</h2>

Sri Lanka&#39;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&#39;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&#39;s second victim. Pakistan then lost another wicket, leaving Shakeel and Ghori to rebuild.

<h2>Pakistan need to make the remaining time count</h2>

The hosts entered their second innings after Sri Lanka posted 446 in reply to Pakistan&#39;s first-innings declaration of 434/9. That gave the visitors a 12-run advantage.

Pakistan&#39;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&#39;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.

<h2>Watch Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Live on tapmad</h2>

Play resumes after lunch, with Pakistan 151/5 and holding a 139-run advantage. Watch the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/watch/pak-vs-sri-1st-test-live/1199921">Pakistan vs Sri Lanka test live</a> 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.

Pakistan lead Sri Lanka by 139 runs at lunch on Day 5 in Rawalpindi, with Saud Shakeel and Ghazi Ghori at the crease.

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

Pakistan fought back against Sri Lanka on Day 4 of the opening Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, thanks to a remarkable seven-wicket performance from debutant Saqib Khan. The visitors were dismissed for 446 after looking comfortable at 404/4, while Pakistan reached 57/1 in their second innings before rain and poor light interrupted play.&nbsp;

The PAK vs SL 1st Test Day 4 highlights feature Saqib&#39;s outstanding debut, the collapse of Sri Lanka&#39;s lower order and a promising partnership between Azan Awais and Mohammad Taha.

Saqib Khan produced one of the standout bowling performances by a Pakistani debutant, finishing with 7/130. His spell brought an end to the resistance of Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis, who had dominated the previous day&#39;s proceedings with scores of 167 and 119 respectively. Their 249-run partnership had put Sri Lanka in a strong position before Pakistan&#39;s pace attack turned the match around.

Saqib&#39;s seven-wicket achievement placed him among a select group of Pakistani bowlers to reach that milestone in their first Test appearance. Razaullah provided support by dismissing Milan Rathnayake, helping Pakistan restrict Sri Lanka to a 12-run first-innings lead rather than allowing the visitors to build a substantial advantage.

Pakistan&#39;s reply suffered an early setback when Asitha Fernando removed Tayyab Arif for 11. However, Azan Awais and Mohammad Taha prevented further damage, taking Pakistan to 57/1. Awais remained unbeaten on 22, while Taha was batting on 24 when the weather brought proceedings to a halt. Their partnership had reached 42 runs.

Pakistan now hold a 45-run overall lead with nine second-innings wickets remaining. Catch the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/sports/sri-lanka-tour-of-pakistan-2026/1148/1">PAK vs SL 1st Test highlights</a> and follow the decisive final day&#39;s action on tapmad.

PAK vs SL 1st Test Day 4 highlights: Debutant Saqib Khan claimed 7/130 to bowl out Sri Lanka for 446 as Pakistan reached 57/1 before bad light stopped play.

PAK vs SL 1st Test Day 4 Highlights: Saqib Takes 7 Wickets

RAWALPINDI: Debutant fast bowler Saqib Khan delivered an inspired morning spell of seam and swing bowling to haul Pakistan back into the contest before bad light and rain forced an early close to PAK vs SL 1st Test day 4 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Pakistan reached 57 for 1 in their second innings when inclement weather halted play after 21.2 overs, establishing an overall lead of 45 runs heading into the final day. Azan Awais was unbeaten on 22 off 65 deliveries alongside fellow debutant Mohammad Taha on 24 off 55 balls, having stitched together an unbroken 42-run partnership to steady the hosts.

The day belonged entirely to 31-year-old right-arm pacer Saqib Khan. Resuming at <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/pak-vs-sl-1st-test-day-3-highlights-de-silva-mendis-centuries/8861-2-0">day 3 score of 404/4</a> in reply to Pakistan&#39;s first-innings 434 for 9 declared, Sri Lanka looked poised to bat the hosts out of the match. However, Saqib Khan&#39;s seven-wicket haul triggered a dramatic collapse that saw the tourists lose their final six wickets for just 42 runs to be bowled out for 446.

Saqib struck in the opening over of the morning, inducing an outside edge from centurion Dhananjaya de Silva to wicketkeeper Ghazi Ghori without adding to his marathon 167. Four overs later, Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis followed his batting partner back to the pavilion for 119, ending their monumental 249-run fifth-wicket stand.

Relentless in his line and length, Saqib claimed his maiden five-wicket haul when Sonal Dinusha edged a booming drive to the slip cordon on 20. He subsequently trapped Lahiru Kumara plumb in front before having Asitha Fernando caught behind via review, finishing with figures of 7 for 130 from 34 overs.&nbsp;

With this feat, Saqib became only the fourth Pakistani bowler in history to capture seven wickets in an innings on Test debut, joining Mohammad Nazir, Mohammad Zahid, and Abrar Ahmed. Fellow pacer Razaullah wrapped up the innings by having Milan Rathnayake caught in the deep for 12, leaving Sri Lanka with a slender 12-run first-innings advantage.

In Pakistan&#39;s second essay, Asitha Fernando struck early to trap debutant opener Tayyab Arif leg-before-wicket for 11. Awais, who survived a dropped chance behind the stumps by Mendis on 17, and Taha navigated the remaining overs with composure before deteriorating light and rain forced umpires to call stumps early.&nbsp;

With more rain forecast for Friday, both sides face a race against time to force a decisive result on Day 5.

Saqib Khan's seven-wicket haul triggered a Sri Lankan collapse before rain halted PAK vs SL 1st Test day 4 in Rawalpindi with Pakistan leading by 45.

PAK vs SL 1st Test Day 4: Saqib Khan 7-Wicket Haul

Pakistan moved 27 runs ahead of Sri Lanka in the first Test after losing one wicket in their second innings on Day 4 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

The hosts reached 39/1 after 12 overs, with Azan Awais unbeaten on 16 and Mohammad Taha on 12. Pakistan had earlier declared their first innings at 434/9 before Sri Lanka responded with 446, taking a 12-run lead.

Tayyab Arif was the first Pakistan batter to depart in the second innings. He scored 11 off eight deliveries before Asitha Fernando trapped him lbw in the third over.

Awais and Taha then steadied the innings, taking Pakistan past Sri Lanka&#39;s first-innings total and restoring the hosts&#39; lead.

The latest Pakistan vs Sri Lanka live score puts Pakistan at 39/1, with eight wickets remaining and a lead of 27 runs. Awais has faced 33 deliveries and struck three boundaries, while Taha has scored two fours from 31 balls.

Fernando has been Sri Lanka&#39;s only successful bowler so far, returning figures of 1/10 from five overs. Lahiru Kumara has conceded seven runs in three overs, while Dilshan Madushanka has taken 15 runs from his three overs.

<h2>Pakistan look to build on their first-innings effort</h2>

Pakistan&#39;s first-innings total of 434/9 featured useful contributions throughout the batting order. Saud Shakeel top-scored with 93, narrowly missing a century, while Tayyab Arif and Mohammad Taha scored 57 and 51 respectively.

Babar Azam also made 50, while debutant Arafat Minhas added 52. Wicketkeeper Ghazi Ghori contributed 48.

Sri Lanka&#39;s response was built around two big individual performances. Dhananjaya de Silva scored 167, while captain Kusal Mendis made 119, helping the visitors reach 446 and take a narrow first-innings advantage.

Pakistan now have an opportunity to put that deficit behind them and set Sri Lanka a challenging target. However, the hosts will need their middle order to deliver if they are to establish a substantial lead before the innings closes.

With the match entering its fourth day, a result is still possible, although the live win probability at the latest update heavily favours a draw.

<h2>Watch Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Live on tapmad</h2>

Watch Pakistan vs Sri Lanka live on tapmad for Day 4 coverage of the Rawalpindi Test, including live action, match highlights, key moments and the latest score updates.

Pakistan reach 39/1 in their second innings against Sri Lanka on Day 4, taking a 27-run lead in the first Test at Rawalpindi.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Day 4 Update as Hosts Regain the Lead

Sri Lanka produced a commanding batting display on the third day of the opening Test against Pakistan, finishing at 404/4 in their first innings at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis both scored unbeaten centuries, putting the visitors within 30 runs of Pakistan&#39;s first-innings total of 434/9 declared.&nbsp;

The PAK vs SL 1st Test Day 3 highlights feature two outstanding individual centuries, a massive partnership and Pakistan&#39;s struggle to find further breakthroughs.

Mohammad Abbas was Pakistan&#39;s only successful bowler on the day, dismissing Kamindu Mendis for 58. His wicket brought an end to a 90-run partnership, but Pakistan could not make further inroads into Sri Lanka&#39;s middle order. The visitors recovered through their experienced batting pair, who took advantage of the increasingly favourable batting conditions.

Dhananjaya de Silva reached his 14th Test century and remained unbeaten on 167 from 241 deliveries, hitting 20 boundaries. Kusal Mendis also marked his first Test match as Sri Lanka captain with a hundred, finishing on 117 not out from 188 balls, including 10 fours and four sixes. Their partnership produced 249 runs without separation, taking the visitors close to overtaking Pakistan&#39;s total.

Pakistan struggled to break the stand despite using several bowling options. Debutant Saqib Khan claimed two wickets earlier in the innings, while Arafat Minhas and Razaullah could not make an impact during the final partnership.&nbsp;

Fans can catch the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/sports/sri-lanka-tour-of-pakistan-2026/1148/1">PAK vs SL 1st Test highlights</a> and follow the remaining action from the series opener on tapmad.

PAK vs SL 1st Test Day 3 highlights: Unbeaten centuries from Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis powered Sri Lanka to 404/4 in Rawalpindi.

PAK vs SL 1st Test Day 3 Highlights: De Silva, Mendis Centuries

RAWALPINDI: Sri Lanka seized complete control of the opening Test against Pakistan, riding on magnificent unbeaten centuries from Dhananjaya de Silva and captain Kusal Mendis to reach 404 for four at stumps on PAK vs SL 1st Test day 3.&nbsp;

Before fading light forced an early close at 4:15 PM local time, the visitors had erased almost the entire first-innings deficit, trailing Pakistan&rsquo;s declared total of 434 for nine by just 30 runs.

Resuming from <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/pak-vs-sl-1st-test-day-2-pakistan-dominate-in-rawalpindi/8841-5-0">day 2 score</a> of 114 for three and still 320 runs adrift, Sri Lanka weathered an early examination from Pakistan&rsquo;s seamers. Pacer Mohammad Abbas provided the hosts with their sole breakthrough of the day when he angled a delivery across Kamindu Mendis, inducing an outside edge to wicketkeeper Ghazi Ghori on 58. That dismissal ended a resilient 90-run fourth-wicket stand and left Sri Lanka at 155 for four.

However, Pakistan&rsquo;s hopes of triggering a middle-order collapse were quickly extinguished. Former skipper Dhananjaya de Silva, who survived a critical dropped catch by Saud Shakeel at first slip on 38, anchored the recovery with poise and authority. Reaching his 14th Test century with an assured boundary off left-arm spinner Arafat Minhas, De Silva&rsquo;s century shifted the momentum decisively in Sri Lanka&rsquo;s favor.&nbsp;

By the close of play, he had amassed a stunning 167 not out off 241 deliveries, laced with 20 boundaries.

At the other end, Kusal Mendis celebrated his maiden Test assignment as captain in style. Joining De Silva in the morning session, Mendis initially focused on rotating the strike before accelerating sharply after lunch. He targeted Pakistan&rsquo;s inexperienced bowling lineup, using his feet against the spinners and dispatching loose deliveries to all parts of the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.&nbsp;

Kusal Mendis&#39; century arrived in the final session, his 11th in Test cricket, as he finished unbeaten on 117 from 188 balls, striking 10 fours and four sixes.

Together, the outgoing and incoming captains stitched together an unbroken 249-run partnership off 360 deliveries across 60 overs. Babar Azam rotated his bowlers tirelessly, including debutants Saqib Khan (2 for 105) and Arafat Minhas alongside Razaullah (0 for 127), yet even the second new ball at the 80-over mark failed to yield a wicket on a flattening surface.

With six wickets intact and a massive first-innings lead firmly within reach, Sri Lanka enters the fourth morning in a dominant position to dictate terms in the series opener.

Watch <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/watch/pak-vs-sri-1st-test-live/1199921">PAK vs SL 1st Test live</a> on tapmad

De Silva's century and Kusal Mendis' century forged an unbeaten 249-run stand on PAK vs SL 1st Test day 3 to slash Sri Lanka's deficit to 30.

PAK vs SL 1st Test Day 3: Sri Lanka is in Strong Position

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&#39; 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.

<h3>Dhananjaya and Kamindu lead Sri Lanka&#39;s recovery</h3>

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&#39;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.

<h3>Pakistan bowlers keep the pressure on</h3>

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&#39;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&#39;s remaining six wickets will determine how quickly the hosts can take control of the match.

<h2>Watch Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Live on tapmad</h2>

Catch the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/watch/pak-vs-sri-1st-test-live/1199921">Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st Test live</a> 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.

Pakistan hold a 216-run lead as Sri Lanka reach 218/4 on Day 3 in Rawalpindi, with Dhananjaya de Silva unbeaten on 85.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Day 3 Live Update

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Tuesday that the second Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will now be played in Rawalpindi instead of Lahore.

The match was originally scheduled to take place at Gaddafi Stadium from November 17 to 21. However, the PCB decided to move it because of the worsening weather conditions in Lahore.

A PCB spokesperson said rising smog levels in the city were behind the decision to shift the match to a different venue.

&quot;The second Test match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, originally scheduled to be played in Lahore from November 17 to 21, has been relocated to Rawalpindi due to prevailing weather conditions,&quot; said the PCB statement.

&quot;A spokesperson for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that the decision was taken in view of increasing smog levels in Lahore, prompting the relocation of the second Test to Rawalpindi,&quot; added the PCB statement.

It should be noted that the PCB has changed the venue for the second Test, but there will be no change to the match dates. Pakistan and Sri Lanka will now meet at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from November 17 to 21.

The announcement came during the opening Test, where Pakistan have taken a strong position after the first two days. The hosts declared their innings at 434-9, building a 320-run lead over Sri Lanka, who finished the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/pak-vs-sl-1st-test-day-2-highlights-pakistan-in-control/8844-2-0">second day</a> at 114-3 in reply.

Several Pakistani batters made useful contributions to the total, with Tayyab Arif, Mohammad Taha, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel and Arafat Minhas all scoring fifties. The home side batted for 106.3 overs before calling their innings to a close.

Talking about Sri Lanka, they have struggled to keep pace with the hosts&#39; total, losing three wickets in 27.1 overs. Meanwhile, poor light also shortened the final session of play, marking the second straight day that the players had to leave the field early.

PCB moves the second Pakistan-Sri Lanka Test from Lahore to Rawalpindi due to rising smog levels, with the match dates unchanged from November 17 to 21.

Bad Weather Forces Relocation of Second Pakistan-Sri Lanka Test to Rawalpindi

Pakistan made history on Tuesday as three of their new players, Tayyab Arif, Mohammad Taha and Arafat Minhas, scored half-centuries in their first Test innings, matching a record that had remained untouched for 24 years.

Tayyab was called up to the squad on Saturday, joining three other players ahead of Pakistan&#39;s two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. He was given the chance to open alongside Azan Awais in the first Test on Monday and made the most of it, scoring 57 from just 51 balls. His quick innings included nine fours and a six.

Mohammad Taha also made a good impression in his first outing, but took a different approach at the crease. The 26-year-old all-rounder spent 105 deliveries scoring 51 runs, hitting five fours along the way.

Arafat Minhas completed the trio&#39;s achievement on Wednesday&#39;s play, coming in at No. 8 and adding another half-century to Pakistan&#39;s total. He made 52 from 72 balls, with nine fours and a six, helping the hosts take their score beyond 400.

Interestingly, this was only the second time in Test cricket that three players scored half-centuries in their debut innings in the same match. The first such occasion came in 1992, when Zimbabwe&#39;s Grant Flower, Dave Houghton and Andy Flower all scored more than 50 runs against India in their first Test.

Houghton led the way with a brilliant 121, while Grant scored 82 and Andy added 59 to complete the rare achievement.

Talking about the ongoing Rawalpindi Test, Pakistan is currently on the front foot after scoring 434 in the first innings. Saud Shakeel remained the key performer for the home side, as he scored 93 off 199 balls, smashing nine boundaries in total.

In reply, Sri Lanka have lost three wickets by the end of the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/pak-vs-sl-1st-test-day-2-highlights-pakistan-in-control/8844-2-0">second day</a>, scoring 114 in 27 overs. Kamindu Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva have forged a strong partnership after the early setbacks, scoring 40 and 22 respectively. They will resume their innings tomorrow, aiming to add more runs to the board, while Pakistan will look to take quick wickets to restrict Sri Lanka to a low total.

Pakistan's Tayyab Arif, Mohammad Taha and Arafat Minhas scored debut Test fifties, matching a 24-year-old record last set by Zimbabwe in 1992.

Pakistan Equal Long-Standing Test Record Through Debutant Trio

Pakistan took a commanding position against Sri Lanka on the second day of the opening Test in Rawalpindi, finishing with a 320-run first-innings advantage. The hosts posted 434/9 before declaring, with Saud Shakeel narrowly missing a century and debutant Arafat Minhas contributing a half-century.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka reached 114/3 at stumps after Pakistan&#39;s pace attack made early inroads. The PAK vs SL 1st Test Day 2 highlights feature Shakeel&#39;s 93, Minhas&#39; impressive debut and Saqib Khan&#39;s maiden Test wicket.

Pakistan&#39;s lower order helped push the total beyond 400 after the hosts resumed at 281/5. Shakeel remained the central figure with 93 runs before Asitha Fernando ended his innings, while Minhas marked his Test debut with 52 off 72 balls. Pakistan eventually closed their innings at 434/9 after 106.3 overs, with Babar Azam opting for a declaration.

Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka claimed three wickets apiece for Sri Lanka, but their bowling attack could not prevent Pakistan from building a substantial total.

Sri Lanka&#39;s reply began with trouble at the top as Mohammad Abbas removed Pasindu Sooriyabandara. Saqib Khan then made a significant contribution, dismissing Dinesh Chandimal to claim his maiden Test wicket before sending Lahiru Udara back for 42. Khan ended the day with figures of 2/54.

Kamindu Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva prevented further damage during the closing overs. Mendis remained unbeaten on 40, while the Sri Lankan captain was 22 not out as their partnership reached 49 runs. Sri Lanka finished at 114/3, still 320 runs behind Pakistan.

Fans can catch the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/sports/sri-lanka-tour-of-pakistan-2026/1148/1">PAK vs SL 1st Test highlights</a> and follow the remaining action on tapmad.

PAK vs SL 1st Test Day 2 highlights: Pakistan declared at 434/9 led by Saud Shakeel and Arafat Minhas before reducing Sri Lanka to 114/3 in Rawalpindi.

PAK vs SL 1st Test Day 2 Highlights: Pakistan in Control

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