Pakistan debutant
Resuming the day at 404/4, Sri Lanka appeared set for a substantial first-innings lead. However, the game shifted dramatically as the tourists lost their final six wickets for just 42 runs. By the time bad light and rain forced an early close at 3:05 pm, Pakistan had reached 57/1 in their second innings, establishing a 45-run lead with nine wickets remaining.
Saqib enters record books with debut masterclass
Saqib’s seven-wicket haul etched his name into the history books, making him only the fourth Pakistani bowler to achieve such a feat on Test debut, joining the ranks of Mohammad Nazir, Mohammad Zahid, and Abrar Ahmed. The right-arm pacer credited his success to the overcast conditions and a clear tactical shift advised by coach Mike Hesson, who urged the bowlers to target the off-stump line with outswingers.
The collapse began when Saqib ended Dhananjaya de Silva’s marathon 167-run innings, effectively breaking the 249-run partnership with captain Kusal Mendis. Shortly after, Mendis was dismissed for 119, caught behind by Ghazi Ghori off Saqib’s bowling. The debutant continued his momentum by removing the in-form Sonal Dinusha for 20, before eventually wrapping up the tail to ensure Sri Lanka’s lead remained at a slender 12 runs.
Pakistan steady in second innings
Facing a tricky period before the weather intervened, Pakistan lost debutant Tayyab Arif early, trapped lbw by Asitha Fernando for 11. Despite the pressure, Azan Awais and Mohammad Taha managed to navigate the remaining overs. Awais, who survived a dropped catch by Mendis while on 17, remained unbeaten on 22, while Taha—who also scored a half-century in the first innings—ended the day on 24 not out.
With the match delicately poised, Pakistan will look to build on their 45-run lead when play resumes on the final day. The hosts will be hoping for clear skies to capitalize on the platform established by Saqib’s remarkable debut effort.
