Pakistan declared their first innings at 434 for nine on the second day of the Rawalpindi Test against Sri Lanka, setting up a challenging total after a series of valuable contributions from their batters.
Saud Shakeel was dismissed for 93 shortly after the lunch break, narrowly missing out on a century. Debutant Arafat Minhas, however, made an impressive contribution with 52 runs, bringing Pakistan’s total beyond the 400-run mark.
After Razaullah was dismissed for 10, captain Babar Azam decided to declare the innings at 434 for nine.
For Sri Lanka, Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka were the leading bowlers, claiming three wickets each.
Saud Shakeel and Ghazi Ghori Build Crucial Partnership
Earlier on the second day, Saud Shakeel continued his composed batting and shared a 96-run partnership with young batter Ghazi Ghori.
Ghazi narrowly missed his maiden Test half-century, departing for 48 at Pakistan’s total of 349.
At the lunch interval, Pakistan were 390 for six, with Saud unbeaten on 91 and Arafat Minhas on 27.
Pakistan Recover After Early Wickets
Sri Lanka had won the toss and elected to field, but Pakistan managed to finish the opening day in a strong position at 281 for five.
Debutant Taib Arif played an impressive innings of 57 off just 51 balls, while Azaan Awais contributed 30 runs.
Sri Lankan bowlers recovered after the early setbacks and dismissed both Pakistani openers. Babar Azam scored 50 but was dismissed by Dilshan Madushanka immediately after reaching his half-century.
Another debutant, Muhammad Taha, scored a fighting 50 before being dismissed by Sonal Dinusha. Salman Agha also failed to make a substantial contribution and fell to Asitha Fernando.
Despite Sri Lanka taking wickets at regular intervals, Saud Shakeel’s responsible batting helped Pakistan maintain control of the innings.
Pakistan eventually declared at 434 for nine, with contributions from several batters strengthening their position in the Test.