Pakistan strengthened its position in the Rawalpindi Test as Saud Shakeel continued his responsible batting on the second day, building a crucial 96-run partnership with young batter Ghazi Ghori.
Ghazi narrowly missed his maiden Test half-century by just two runs, departing for 48 at Pakistan’s total of 349.
By the lunch break on the second day, Pakistan had reached 390 for six, with Saud Shakeel unbeaten on 91 and Arafat Minhas at the crease on 27.
Pakistan Build on Strong First-Day Performance
Earlier, Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field, inviting Pakistan to bat first. Despite losing early wickets, Pakistan finished the opening day in a relatively strong position at 281 for five.
Test debutant Taib Arif impressed with an attacking innings of 57 off just 51 deliveries, while Azaan Awais contributed 30 runs.
Sri Lankan bowlers fought back after the initial setbacks, dismissing both Pakistani openers. Babar Azam attempted to steady the innings with a half-century but was dismissed by Dilshan Madushanka immediately after reaching 50.
Another debutant, Muhammad Taha, played a fighting knock of 50 before falling to Sonal Dinusha. Salman Agha also failed to convert his start into a substantial score, losing his wicket to Asitha Fernando.
Although Sri Lanka continued to take wickets at regular intervals, Saud Shakeel held his ground with disciplined batting and prevented Pakistan from suffering further setbacks.
Pakistan ended the first day at 281 for five and continued to strengthen its position through Shakeel’s unbeaten innings on the second morning.