Pakistan’s Saqib Khan Takes Seven Wickets, Sparking Sri Lanka’s Test Collapse
RAWALPINDI – Pakistan’s Saqib Khan claimed his maiden Test wicket haul in a dramatic debut, as Sri Lanka’s opening innings crumbled from a strong 404 for 4 to a disastrous 446 all out by the fourth morning of the first Test.
Saqib displayed composure under an overcast sky, extracting a remarkable 7‑130 in his first Test innings. Pakistan quickly erased the deficit, moving to a comfortable 39‑1 at lunch after losing opener Tayyab Arif for just 11 runs.
At the interval, Azan Awais (16) and Mohammad Taha (12) remained unbeaten, boosting Pakistan into a 27‑run half‑innings lead.
Saqib initiated the collapse in the opening over by dismissing centurion Dhananjaya de Silva, who had amassed an overnight 167, with a catch by Ghazi Ghori off the bat.
De Silva built a marathon‑length knock, hitting 20 fours over 405 minutes, and was later re‑involved as Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis reached his hundred on the third day.
Kusal added 249 runs, forming the fifth wicket alongside De Silva, before making 119 in a five‑over spell that featured ten fours and four sixes.
Sri Lanka eventually lost their final six wickets for 42 runs, with Saqib claiming his fifth wicket as Sonal Dinusha (20) was caught slipping.
Following the collapse, Saqib removed tailenders Lahiru Kumara (0) and Asitha Fernando (4) to become only the fourth Pakistani bowler to achieve a seven‑wicket haul in a Test innings.
In addition, pace bowler Mohammad Zahid (7‑66), off‑spinner Mohammad Nazir (7‑99), and leg‑spinner Abrar Ahmed (7‑114) also claimed seven wickets each.
