Tayyab Arif, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Taha, and Babar Azam hit half-centuries
Abdul Jabbar Faisal
RAWALPINDI: Four half centuries, Tayyab Arif (57), Saud Shakeel (57 not out), Mohammad Taha (51), and Babar Azam (50), were vital small innings for the hosts batters to put 281 runs on board in 67.2 overs against Sri Lanka on the opening day of the first Test match at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday, as the bad light forced officials to halt the game before completing the 90 overs of day. Pakistani unbeaten batters, Saud Shakeel and Ghazi Ghori, will resume their first inning on Tuesday.
Four lucky guys, Tayyab Arif, Mohammad Taha, Arafat Minhas, and Saqib Khan, were honoured with green caps before starting the game at Pindi stadium. After Sri Lanka opted to field first, right-handed opening batter Tayyab provided Pakistan with an aggressive start, smashing 57 off just 51 balls, including nine fours and a six. He added 86 runs for the opening wicket with Azan Awais, who contributed 30 off 50 balls.
Tayyab brought up his maiden Test half-century off just 46 balls before falling to Asitha Fernando. Left-handed Mohammad Taha displayed composure and determination in his debut innings, scoring 51 off 105 balls, including six boundaries. He brought up his maiden half-century off 101 balls.
Captain Babar Azam also registered a half-century, striking seven fours in his 50 off 58 balls, before being dismissed by Dilshan Madushanka. Saud Shakeel continued Pakistan’s progress with an unbeaten 57 off 112 balls, featuring seven fours. He shared a valuable partnership with Taha to strengthen the hosts’ position. For Sri Lanka, Fernando took two wickets.
Scores in brief:
Day 1 of 5
Pakistan 281-5, 67.2 overs (Tayyab Arif 57, Saud Shakeel 57 not out, Mohammad Taha 51, Babar Azam 50; Asitha Fernando 2-64)
