RAWALPINDI: Pakistan reached 57-1 in their second innings against Sri Lanka on Thursday, taking a 45-run lead before rain and bad light ended play early on the fourth day.
Only 21.2 overs were possible in Pakistan’s innings at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Azan Awais remained unbeaten on 22, while Mohammad Taha finished on 24 as the hosts looked to build their advantage.
Pakistan lost opener Tayyab Arif early after he struck two boundaries in the opening overs. Sri Lankan pacer Asitha Fernando trapped him lbw for 11 off eight balls, leaving the hosts at 15-1.
Azan and Taha then steadied the innings. Both batters survived until lunch and continued their partnership after the interval before deteriorating weather forced an early finish.
Earlier, debutant pacer Saqib Khan claimed seven wickets for 130 runs as Pakistan dismissed Sri Lanka for 446 in their first innings.
Sri Lanka had resumed with a strong batting position but lost their final six wickets for just 42 runs on Thursday morning. Saqib removed Dhananjaya de Silva for 167 off 246 balls in the opening over.
Read: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test, Day 2: Herath’s five-wicket haul gives Lanka the edge
He then dismissed Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis for 119 off 202 deliveries in the following over, ending their 249-run partnership.
The debutant continued his spell by dismissing Sonal Dinusha, Lahiru Kumara and Fernando. Mohammad Abbas finished with two wickets, while Razaullah claimed one.
Sri Lanka had earlier recovered from 12-2 through contributions from Kamindu Mendis, who scored 58, and Lahiru Udara, who made 42.
Pakistan posted 434-9 in their first innings, leaving Sri Lanka with a 12-run advantage before the hosts began batting again.
