Debutant Saqib Khan Takes Seven as Pakistan Fight Back in Rain-Hit Rawalpindi Test

Debutant fast bowler Saqib Khan produced a dream first outing in Test cricket, taking seven wickets to drag Pakistan back into the opening Test against Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Sri Lanka had resumed on 404 for 4 with both centurions still at the crease, but Saqib broke the stand by removing Dhananjaya de Silva for 167 and Kusal Mendis for 119, and the tourists lost their last six wickets for just 42 runs to be bowled out for 446 — a first-innings lead of only 12.

Pakistan closed the weather-shortened fourth day on 57 for 1 in their second innings, 45 runs ahead with nine wickets in hand, after bad light and then rain forced the players off with only 21.2 overs bowled. With more rain forecast for the final day on Friday, a draw looks the likeliest outcome.

A collapse from nowhere

Sri Lanka had looked set for a commanding lead after the 249-run stand between de Silva and Mendis, but Saqib finished with 7 for 130 from 34 overs — including the wickets of Sonal Dinusha, Lahiru Kumara and Asitha Fernando — to turn the morning completely on its head.

Series to be decided in the second Test

The second Test, moved from Lahore to Rawalpindi because of smog, begins on November 17, and with this opener heading for a draw it will decide the two-match series and its World Test Championship points.

Source: The Express Tribune