Debutant fast bowler Saqib Khan took seven wickets on the fourth morning of the first Test in Rawalpindi on Thursday. His spell limited Sri Lanka to a first-innings lead of just 12 runs. The visitors had looked set for a much bigger advantage after two big batting partnerships. Saqib finished with 7-130 from 34 overs and turned the match back toward the hosts. For more match coverage, visit our Pakistan Cricket section.
Background: A New-Look Pakistan Side
Pakistan came into this two-Test series with four players making their Test debuts. Tayyab Arif, Mohammad Taha, Arafat Minhas and Saqib Khan all received their first caps in Rawalpindi. Babar Azam captained a side that was clearly built around fresh faces.
Saqib earned his call-up through domestic form. He took 47 wickets in nine matches at an average of 20.60 for Karachi Blues in the 2025-26 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. His best figures that season were 7-34. He also began his sporting life in table tennis before his father encouraged him to try cricket.
The two teams had already met recently in an ODI tri-series final in Lahore, where the ICC fined Pakistan for a slow over-rate. In Rawalpindi, Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bowl first on a green pitch. Tayyab Arif made a quick 57 on debut as Pakistan reached 137-2 at lunch on the opening day. The hosts later declared on 434-9, with contributions from several newcomers.
Details: How Day Four Unfolded
Saqib had already shown promise on day two. He claimed his maiden Test wicket by removing Dinesh Chandimal, then dismissed the aggressive opener Lahiru Udara for 42. Sri Lanka ended that day on 114-3, still 320 runs behind.
Day three belonged to the visitors. Dhananjaya de Silva scored a century and Kusal Mendis built a strong partnership with him. Sri Lanka closed at 404-4, only 30 runs short of Pakistan’s total, and the pressure on the home attack was clear.
On Thursday morning the match changed quickly. Saqib broke the long stand by removing de Silva for 167, then dismissed Kusal Mendis for 119. Sri Lanka lost two wickets for eight runs in that passage.
He did not stop there. Saqib also took the wickets of Sonal Dinusha, Lahiru Kumara and Asitha Fernando to complete a seven-wicket haul. Sri Lanka still edged ahead by 12 runs, which is a small lead after such a strong start to the innings. Follow the visitors’ wider tour in our Sri Lanka Cricket section.
Where Pakistan’s Bowlers Struggled
The numbers show that Saqib’s success came at a price. Young pacer Razaullah conceded 127 runs in 23 overs and was the most expensive bowler in the innings. Saqib himself gave away 130 runs, so Sri Lanka’s batters scored freely for long periods.
Mohammad Abbas also contributed with two wickets earlier in the innings. Even so, the attack let the match drift on day three. Pakistan will want sharper discipline when they bat again.
Reaction: What the Numbers and Reports Suggest
Reports from the match, including the Express Tribune’s coverage, described Saqib’s spell as the spark for a Pakistan fightback. Match reports also noted how the choice of four debutants has paid off in the first innings, with both bat and ball contributions from newcomers.
The overall picture is balanced. Sri Lanka’s senior batters showed patience and class, while Pakistan’s youngest bowler showed he can take wickets at the highest level. Neither side has a clear edge heading into the second innings.
Impact: Why This Performance Matters
For Pakistan, this performance supports a wider shift toward trusting domestic performers. Saqib’s debut shows that strong first-class numbers can translate to Test cricket. That may encourage selectors to keep giving chances to young fast bowlers.
For the region, the match is a useful marker for South Asian cricket. Teams across the subcontinent are searching for pace options who can work on helpful pitches and hold up in long spells. A seven-wicket debut haul adds to that conversation, and you can read more in our International Cricket coverage.
For Sri Lanka, the lesson is about finishing. They built a commanding position and then lost their last six wickets quickly. That collapse kept the contest open when they could have been well in control.
Conclusion: What Comes Next
Pakistan now bat again with a deficit of only 12 runs, so the first Test is still wide open. The top order, including the debutants, will need to build a solid platform on a pitch that has aged by day four. A big second-innings total would put real pressure on Sri Lanka.
Saqib Khan’s spell has already secured his place in the story of this series. Whether Pakistan convert his work into a win depends on their batters. Stay with our Cricket page for the next developments from Rawalpindi.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many wickets did Saqib Khan take on his Test debut?
Saqib Khan took seven wickets in Sri Lanka’s first innings and finished with figures of 7-130 from 34 overs. He claimed two wickets on day two and the other five on the fourth morning. His haul included the key dismissals of Dhananjaya de Silva for 167 and Kusal Mendis for 119. It is a rare and impressive start for a fast bowler in his first Test.
What is the current score in the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka first Test?
Pakistan declared their first innings at 434-9 on day two. Sri Lanka then batted through day three and into day four, finishing with a first-innings lead of 12 runs. Pakistan are now in their second innings with the match still evenly poised. Check an official live scorecard for the latest figures, as these change quickly.
Who are the four Pakistan debutants in this Test?
The four players making their Test debuts are Tayyab Arif, Mohammad Taha, Arafat Minhas and Saqib Khan. Tayyab Arif scored 57 on the opening day, while Saqib Khan led the bowling effort. Babar Azam is the captain of the side. The selection reflects Pakistan’s willingness to give opportunities to emerging players.
How did Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis perform for Sri Lanka?
Dhananjaya de Silva scored 167 and Kusal Mendis made 119, and their partnership gave Sri Lanka control of the match. Both fell to Saqib Khan on the fourth morning within a short space of runs. Sri Lanka lost two wickets for eight runs during that phase. Their innings were the main reason the visitors took a first-innings lead.
Why is Saqib Khan’s performance considered important for Pakistan cricket?
Saqib’s debut shows that domestic performance can convert into international success. He earned his place with 47 wickets in the 2025-26 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, and he delivered at the top level straight away. His success may give selectors more confidence in backing young fast bowlers. It also adds depth to Pakistan’s pace attack for the rest of the series.
How many Tests are in the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka series?
The series consists of two Tests, and the first is being played in Rawalpindi. The result of this opening match will shape the pressure on both teams in the second Test. Pakistan will aim to use their new-look squad to take an early lead. Sri Lanka will look to bounce back from a mixed day four.
