Babar Azam’s Century Drought Extends as Sri Lanka Tighten Grip on Rawalpindi Test

RAWALPINDI: Babar Azam’s prolonged wait for a Test century continued as Sri Lanka pressed hard for victory against Pakistan in a rain-affected first Test in Rawalpindi on Friday.

The visitors claimed four wickets during a session disrupted by poor light in the morning, reducing Pakistan to 151-5 by lunch on the fifth and final day. Despite the setbacks, Pakistan held a 139-run lead with five wickets still in hand.

At the interval, Saud Shakeel remained unbeaten on 23, while Ghazi Ghori was yet to score off seven deliveries he faced. A 20-minute stoppage due to bad light interrupted Sri Lanka’s pursuit of a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

Azam was caught behind the leg side, offering a straightforward catch to the short square-leg fielder off fast bowler Milan Rathnayaka for 34. The dismissal marked his 42nd consecutive Test innings without reaching three figures.

Salman Agha departed in identical fashion to Rathnayaka for 13, leaving Pakistan in difficulty at 125-5.

Earlier, Sri Lanka drew first blood with the opening ball of the day, as Lahiru Kumara removed Azan Awais for 22, immediately denting Pakistan’s overnight score of 57.

In the following over, Asitha Fernando struck again to make it 57-3, trapping Mohammad Taha behind for 24.

Sri Lanka had an earlier chance to dismiss Azam on 22, but Kamindu Mendis dropped a simple catch off Fernando, sparing the Pakistan captain.

Azam struck six fours and shared a 50-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Shakeel before falling to a loose shot.

Fernando finished with figures of 2-20, while Rathnayaka claimed 2-32.

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