Sport · India Bureau
Debutant Saqib Khan's pace threatens Sri Lanka in opening Test
Pakistan has seized the initiative in the first Test against Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi, with debutant pace bowler Saqib Khan taking two wickets as the visitors struggled to reach 114 for three wickets by the close of day two.
LSN India ·
Pakistan declared their first innings at 434 for nine on Tuesday, establishing a commanding position after Pakistan's batsmen built a substantial total at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Sri Lanka's response has been hampered by the impact of Khan, the emerging pace bowler making his Test debut. The bowler's early penetration has put the touring side under significant pressure as they attempt to build a meaningful first-innings total.
At stumps on day two, Sri Lanka had compiled 114 runs for the loss of three wickets, leaving the visitors with considerable work ahead to challenge Pakistan's substantial first-innings score. The balance of the match appears to have shifted decisively in Pakistan's favour following the declaration.
Khan's performance on debut underscores the depth in Pakistan's pace bowling attack and suggests the hosts will be targeting rapid progression toward a decisive result. Sri Lanka will need to consolidate their batting on day three to avoid falling further behind in the contest.
The opening Test continues to develop as a battle of attrition, with Pakistan's declaration strategy and Sri Lanka's struggle against quality seam bowling setting the stage for an intriguing contest in the coming days.