Pakistan strengthened their position in the opening Test against Sri Lanka with a commanding batting display on Day 2 in Rawalpindi, posting 434/9 before reducing the visitors to 114/3 at stumps. Saud Shakeel narrowly missed a century, while debutants Tayyab Arif and Arafat Minhas made valuable half-centuries to put the hosts in control of the contest. Pakistan resumed the day at 281/5 and added 153 runs before captain Babar Azam declared the innings at 434/9 in 106.3 overs. Sri Lanka, who had opted to bowl after winning the toss, struggled to make early inroads as Pakistan's middle and lower order continued to frustrate their bowling attack. The visitors lost three wickets in their reply, with Mohammad Abbas and debutant Saqib Khan making crucial breakthroughs. Sri Lanka finished the day at 114/3, trailing Pakistan by 320 runs, with Kamindu Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva unbeaten when bad light brought an early end to proceedings.
Resuming on 57, Saud Shakeel continued his patient knock and combined with wicketkeeper-batter Ghazi Ghori to frustrate the Sri Lankan bowlers. The duo stitched together a valuable 96-run partnership for the sixth wicket, taking Pakistan past the 300-run mark. Ghori looked set for a maiden Test half-century but fell for 48 off 72 deliveries after edging Dilshan Madushanka to Pasindu Sooriyabandara at gully. His innings included two boundaries and provided Pakistan with an important contribution in the morning session. Shakeel continued to hold one end together and moved closer to his fifth Test century. However, Asitha Fernando ended his resistance at 93 off 199 balls, with nine boundaries, as Kusal Mendis completed the catch. The dismissal also gave Fernando his 100th Test wicket, marking a significant milestone for the Sri Lankan pacer.
Pakistan's batting effort was supported by some impressive contributions from their debutants. Tayyab Arif had earlier scored a quickfire 57 off 51 balls, while Arafat Minhas continued his promising start to international cricket with a half-century. Minhas scored 52 off 72 deliveries, striking nine boundaries and a six. His counter-attacking approach helped Pakistan maintain the momentum even after the departure of Shakeel. Mohammad Taha also contributed a valuable 51, while captain Babar Azam scored 50 off 58 balls. The duo's half-centuries ensured Pakistan had contributions throughout the batting order. After Lahiru Kumara dismissed Razaullah for 10, Pakistan declared their first innings at 434/9 in 106.3 overs. For Sri Lanka, Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka picked up three wickets apiece, while Lahiru Kumara, Milan Rathnayake and Sonal Dinusha claimed one wicket each.
Chasing Pakistan's first-innings total, Sri Lanka endured a difficult start as Mohammad Abbas struck early to remove Pasindu Sooriyabandara for a duck. Debutant Saqib Khan then made an immediate impact, dismissing Dinesh Chandimal for just one run to leave the visitors struggling at 12/2. Lahiru Udara attempted to stabilise the innings and played some positive strokes, scoring 42 off 52 deliveries with seven boundaries. However, Saqib returned to dismiss him, with Ghazi Ghori completing the catch behind the stumps. Sri Lanka slipped to 65/3, handing Pakistan a significant advantage in the contest.
With three wickets down, Kamindu Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva took responsibility for rebuilding the Sri Lankan innings. The pair showed composure against Pakistan's bowling attack and put together an unbeaten 49-run partnership to prevent further damage before the close of play. Mendis remained unbeaten on 40 off 78 deliveries, while de Silva was batting on 22 off 28 balls. Their partnership helped Sri Lanka reach 114/3 in 27.1 overs. However, bad light forced the players off the field, bringing Day 2 to an early conclusion. Sri Lanka still trail Pakistan by 320 runs, with seven first-innings wickets remaining. The visitors will need a substantial partnership on Day 3 to reduce the deficit and prevent Pakistan from taking complete control of the opening Test.
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