Debutants Tayyab Arif, Mohammad Taha hit half-centuries as Pakistan reach 281-5 against Sri Lanka

RAWALPINDI, Nov 09 (APP): Test debutants Tayyab Arif and Mohammad Taha struck impressive half-centuries as Pakistan reached 281 for five on the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday.

Bad light forced an early close, with Saud Shakeel unbeaten on 57 and wicketkeeper-batter Ghazi Ghori on seven at stumps. Pakistan had batted for 67.2 overs.

Pakistan handed Test debuts to four players – Tayyab Arif, Mohammad Taha, Arafat Minhas and Saqib Khan – with Tayyab and Taha making notable contributions with the bat.

After Sri Lanka elected to field, Tayyab gave Pakistan an aggressive start, scoring 57 off 51 deliveries, including nine fours and a six. He reached his maiden Test half-century off just 46 balls and shared an 86-run opening stand with Azan Awais, who made 30 off 50 balls, before falling to Asitha Fernando.

Mohammad Taha showed patience and composure on his Test debut, scoring 51 off 105 balls with six boundaries. He completed his maiden Test half-century off 101 deliveries.

Captain Babar Azam also contributed a brisk 50 off 58 balls, hitting seven fours before being dismissed by Dilshan Madushanka.

Saud Shakeel held one end together with an unbeaten 57 off 112 balls, including seven boundaries, as Pakistan strengthened their position through a valuable partnership with Taha.
For Sri Lanka, Asitha Fernando claimed two wickets.
Scores in brief:
Pakistan 281-5 in 67.2 overs (Tayyab Arif 57, Saud Shakeel 57 not out, Mohammad Taha 51, Babar Azam 50; Asitha Fernando 2-64).
Stumps, Day 1 of 5.