Rathnayake struck again to dismiss Salman Agha for 13 in similar fashion, leaving Pakistan struggling at 125-5.

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan avoided defeat against Sri Lanka as Saud Shakeel produced a fighting 97 to help the hosts secure a draw in the first Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday, with bad weather also playing a significant role.

Pakistan finished their second innings at 284-8, setting Sri Lanka a target of 273 runs after taking a lead of 272. However, the visitors ran out of time to complete their chase as both teams agreed to a draw on the fifth and final day.

Sri Lanka had moved into a promising position after claiming four wickets during the morning session, leaving Pakistan struggling at 151-5 at lunch with a lead of 139 runs.

However, Shakeel resisted the pressure with a determined innings of 97 from 210 deliveries, including seven boundaries, to prevent Sri Lanka from securing victory.

The left-handed batter narrowly missed his second century of the match after scoring 93 in Pakistan’s first innings. Lahiru Kumara eventually dismissed him before both teams shook hands to end the contest.

Shakeel found valuable support from Ghazi Ghori, who scored 35, as the pair added 92 runs for the sixth wicket to frustrate the Sri Lankan bowling attack.

A brief 20-minute interruption due to bad light before lunch also provided Pakistan with some relief.

Milan Rathnayake was Sri Lanka’s leading bowler with three wickets for 47 runs, while Asitha Fernando and Lahiru Kumara claimed two wickets each.

Bad Weather Disrupts First Test

The opening Test was heavily affected by poor light, with interruptions occurring during the final sessions on each of the first four days.

A total of 117 overs out of the scheduled 360 were lost, significantly reducing the chances of a decisive result.

Sri Lanka had also missed an opportunity to establish a substantial first-innings advantage after losing their final six wickets for just 42 runs on the fourth day.

Resuming at 404-4, the visitors were bowled out for 446, conceding a 12-run lead after Pakistan had declared their first innings at 434-9.

Pakistan debutant fast bowler Saqib Khan delivered an outstanding performance, claiming seven wickets for 130 runs.

Babar Azam Praises Pakistan Batters

Pakistan captain Babar Azam praised his batters for their performance, particularly the contribution of the opening pair in the first innings.

He said the team had expected the pitch to be challenging but credited the openers for providing a solid start.

Azam also acknowledged the performances of Sri Lankan captain Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis, who had built a strong partnership before Saqib Khan’s impressive bowling performance.

Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis said his team had failed to capitalise on winning the toss because of an underwhelming bowling display during the opening session.

He acknowledged that the team needed to learn from its early mistakes but expressed overall satisfaction with its performance.

Sri Lanka Strike Early on Final Morning

Sri Lanka began the final day strongly, with Kumara dismissing Azan Awais for 22 with the first delivery of the morning.

In the following over, Fernando removed Mohammad Taha for 24, reducing Pakistan to 57-3.

Babar Azam was given a reprieve on 22 when Kamindu Mendis dropped a straightforward chance off Fernando.

The Pakistan captain went on to score 34, hitting six boundaries and adding 50 runs for the fourth wicket with Saud Shakeel before falling to Rathnayake.

Azam was caught by the short square-leg fielder after playing into a leg-side fielding trap.

Rathnayake struck again to dismiss Salman Agha for 13 in similar fashion, leaving Pakistan struggling at 125-5.

However, Shakeel and Ghori subsequently built a crucial partnership that helped Pakistan avoid defeat.

Both teams will now turn their attention to the second and final Test, which is scheduled to begin at the same venue on Tuesday.