Pakistan and Sri Lanka commenced the opening Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, with the visitors winning the toss and electing to field first. Sri Lanka deployed an all-seam attack, aiming to capitalize on the green tinge on the surface and test Pakistan’s top order early.
The hosts made a confident start, however, as their opening duo put the Sri Lankan bowlers under pressure. Azan Awais and debutant Tayyab Arif compiled an 86-run partnership in just 97 deliveries before Milan Rathnayake provided the breakthrough. The dismissal produced a standout moment in the opening session, with Kusal Mendis pouching a sharp catch behind the stumps.
Mendis’ Sharp Diving Catch Dismisses Awais
The wicket arrived in the 16th over when Rathnayake delivered a full ball outside off stump that shaped back into the left-handed Awais. The opener opted for an expansive drive rather than leaving the delivery, only to get a thick inside edge that flew behind him.
Mendis anticipated the edge perfectly and flung himself to his right to complete a fine low catch. Awais departed for 30 off 50 balls, an innings laced with seven boundaries, handing Rathnayake his first wicket of the innings.
Here’s the video:
Azan Awais gone#PAKvSL pic.twitter.com/1mUhCqsej5
— Cricket Highlights (@kholi_babar) November 9, 2026
Pakistan Reach 137/2 at Lunch After Openers’ Blitz
Prior to his dismissal, Awais had combined with debutant Arif for an entertaining stand. Arif looked particularly aggressive against the pace attack, racing to 57 off 51 deliveries with nine fours and a six before Asitha Fernando induced an edge through to the wicketkeeper. The twin strikes swung momentum Sri Lanka’s way, reducing Pakistan from 86/0 to 90/2.
Captain Babar Azam then joined fellow debutant Mohammad Taha at the crease, and the pair concentrated on steadying the innings. Sri Lanka reviewed an LBW decision against Taha late in the session, but the on-field call stood on umpire’s call. Pakistan entered the lunch interval at 137/2 after 30 overs, with Azam unbeaten on 31 and Taha on 15.
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