Rainy Lights Halt First Day as Pakistan Scores 281

In a rain‑affected start to the Test series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium saw only 67.2 overs completed on day one, with the hosts posting 281 for five.

Opening stands were laid by Ajaz Owais (30) and Tyab Arif (57), who together added 86 runs for the first wicket before falling in quick succession. A brief collapse took the score to 90, but captain Babur Azam steadied the innings alongside Mohammad Taha, forging a 69‑run partnership that saw Azam reach 50 runs.

Taha and Saeed Shakil then combined for 68 runs, pushing the total past the two‑hundred mark. Shakil remained not out on 57, while Taha contributed 51. Both batsmen displayed solid technique, with Shakil hitting seven fours.

Sri Lankan pacemen Asitha Fernando (2/64), Dilshan Madushanka, Milan Priyankratnayke and Sonal Dinusha each claimed a wicket but could not stem the flow of runs. Fading light forced play to a stop, leaving the match poised for an intriguing second day.