Sports Bulletin Report
RAWALPINDI: Pakistan reached 57 for the loss of one wicket in their second innings on the fourth day of the first Test against Sri Lanka, securing a lead of 45 runs with nine wickets remaining.
Play was called off at 3:00 pm due to bad light and rain. After the lunch break, the match had already been interrupted because of poor light. Pakistan managed to face 21.2 overs in their second innings, while a total of 40.4 overs were bowled during the day.
At stumps, openers Azan Awais was unbeaten on 22 and Muhammad Taha was batting on 24. Muhammad Tayyab Arif was the only wicket to fall, scoring 11 runs. Asitha Fernando claimed the wicket for Sri Lanka.
Earlier, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 446 in their first innings, adding just 42 runs while losing their remaining six wickets on the fourth day.
Dhananjaya de Silva top-scored with an outstanding 167 runs, while captain Kusal Mendis contributed 119. Kamindu Mendis scored 58 and Lahiru Udara made 42. Sonal Dinusha scored 20, Milan Rathnayake 12, Asitha Fernando 4 and Dinesh Chandimal 1. Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Lahiru Kumara were dismissed without scoring, while Dilshan Madushanka remained unbeaten on zero.
For Pakistan, Saqib Khan delivered an impressive performance, taking seven wickets for 130 runs. Mohammad Abbas claimed two wickets, while Razaullah took one.
Earlier, Pakistan had declared their first innings at 434 for nine, conceding a 12-run lead to Sri Lanka.
The fifth and final day of the Test is set to take place on Friday with Pakistan holding a 45-run lead and nine wickets in hand.
