De Silva, Kusal centuries put Sri Lanka in commanding position against Pakistan

RAWALPINDI: Sri Lanka moved to within 30 runs of Pakistan’s first-innings total as Dhananjaya de Silva and captain Kusal Mendis struck unbeaten centuries on the third day of the opening Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

Sri Lanka reached 404-4 after 102 overs when bad light brought an early end to play, with De Silva unbeaten on 167 and Kusal on 117.

The pair shared an unbroken partnership of more than 200 runs to put the visitors in a strong position heading into the fourth day. De Silva brought up his 14th Test century, while Kusal scored his 11th, marking a century in his first match as Test captain.

11th Test Ton. First as Captain. 🫡 A dream start to his captaincy! 💯 Kusal Mendis scores a brilliant Test ton in his very first game as skipper! 👏 #PAKvSL https://t.co/1vvtfkPjTD

— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) November 11, 2026

Earlier, De Silva and Kamindu Mendis had steadied the innings with a 90-run partnership. Kamindu scored 58 off 131 deliveries, including eight boundaries, before Mohammad Abbas dismissed him to leave Sri Lanka at 155-4 after 42 overs.

De Silva continued the recovery, reaching his 21st Test half-century before building the decisive stand with Kusal. Kusal first brought up his 24th Test half-century and then went on to complete his century.

Sri Lanka had been in trouble after losing two wickets for 12 runs while resuming their first innings on the second day.

Mohammad Abbas dismissed opener Pasindu Sooriyabandara for a seven-ball duck before debutant Saqib Khan claimed his maiden international wicket by removing Dinesh Chandimal for one off three deliveries.

Through the lens: Day 3 at Rawalpindi 📸 #PAKvSL | #CricketKaJashan https://t.co/CB8Whayb7W

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 11, 2026

Mohammad Abbas dismissed opener Pasindu Sooriyabandara for a seven-ball duck before debutant Saqib Khan claimed his maiden international wicket by removing Dinesh Chandimal for one off three deliveries.

Lahiru Udara and Kamindu added 50 runs to steady the innings, but Saqib struck again to dismiss Udara for 42 off 52 balls, including seven boundaries, leaving Sri Lanka at 65-3 after 16.5 overs.

https://t.co/FxBvfR7agi

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 11, 2026

Earlier, Pakistan posted 434-9 in 106.3 overs in their first innings, with Saud Shakeel top-scoring with 93 off 199 deliveries.

Tayyab Arif contributed 57 off 51 balls, while Arafat Minhas scored 52. Mohammad Taha and captain Babar Azam also made valuable half-centuries, scoring 51 and 50, respectively. Wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Ghazi Ghori added 48.

For Sri Lanka, Dilshan Madushanka and Asitha Fernando claimed three wickets each.

The opening Test is part of a two-match series, with the second match scheduled to begin on November 17 at the same stadium.

Pakistan 340-5 in Rawalpindi! 🇵🇰 Saud Shakeel 79* and Ghazi Ghori 44* are keeping Pakistan in a strong position. #PAKvSL | #CricketKaJashan https://t.co/Q5fYRl8Bfr

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 10, 2026

The series marks Pakistan’s first Test assignment since their 3-0 defeat in England, which prompted significant changes to the national set-up. Seven players were sent home after the second Test, while head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were dismissed in September. White-ball coach Mike Hesson was subsequently brought into the Test set-up.

Ahead of the series, Babar expressed confidence in the revamped squad, saying Pakistan were ready to move forward with younger players after giving them opportunities during the England tour.

“During the England series we had planned to give new players a chance, so I am ready to fight with these young players,” Azam said.