From Karachi’s streets to Rawalpindi Stadium: Saqib Khan’s journey to Test cricket

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan fast bowler Saqib Khan took seven wickets on his Test debut against Sri Lanka to become only the second Pakistani pacer to achieve the feat.

The 31-year-old claimed 7-130 in Sri Lanka’s first innings on the fourth day of the ongoing Rawalpindi Test, helping Pakistan fight back after the visitors had appeared set to build a substantial total.

Zahid Khan was the first Pakistan fast bowler to take seven wickets on his Test debut.

Sri Lanka had ended the third day at 404-4, with Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis having put the visitors in a strong position. But they added only 42 runs on Thursday before losing their remaining six wickets, with Saqib leading the Pakistan attack.

A Test debut etched in brilliance! 🔥

Saqib Khan delivers a sensational 7-130 scripting a dream debut with a performance to remember at Rawalpindi!

#PAKvSL | #CricketKaJashan https://t.co/1uonhAmwnb

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 12, 2026

Saqib’s bowling was marked by a consistent line and length. He repeatedly targeted the area outside off stump, asking the batters to play at deliveries and creating opportunities for catches behind the wicket.

He maintained a probing length and waited for mistakes, with established batters including de Silva and Mendis among those dismissed through that approach.

The fast bowler earned his call-up after taking 47 wickets in nine matches in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, finishing as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker. The Pakistan Cricket Board included him in the squad for the Test series against Sri Lanka on November 7.

Saqib made his Test debut at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on November 9. He had previously represented Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League and Karachi Region Blues in domestic cricket.

From tape-ball cricket to Test debut

Saqib has named England great James Anderson and South Africa great Dale Steyn as his favourite fast bowlers. Both were renowned for their swing, seam movement, line and length.

Although primarily a fast bowler, Saqib is also capable of contributing with the bat in the lower order. His first-class record includes a half-century, and he has scored useful runs for his teams in domestic cricket.

Saqib Khan took 47 wickets in just 9 QuaidEAzam Trophy and finished as the leading fast bowler wickettaker of the tournament🔥🇵🇰

Meanwhile PCB management keeps backing players like Hasan Ali
deserving performers from domestic cricket are not even close to the team💔 https://t.co/RcFSE6z9OU

— Humais khan (@Humireacts) May 13, 2026

He hails from Mingora in Swat, but his cricket journey began with tape-ball cricket in the streets and neighbourhoods of Karachi. He first drew attention for his pace before joining Karachi’s Future Stars Cricket Academy, where he received formal training under coach Liaquat.

Saqib has said the transition to hard-ball cricket brought several challenges. Establishing himself in Karachi, a major cricket centre where experienced fast bowlers such as Sohail Khan, Tabish Khan and Mir Hamza were already playing, was not easy.

He persisted through years of hard work, secured a place in first-class cricket and has now carried that progress into the national side with an impressive Test debut.