Saqib Khan’s seven-wicket debut haul puts Pakistan back in contention

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan debutant fast bowler Saqib Khan claimed seven wickets to bowl Sri Lanka out for 446 on the fourth day of the first Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday, giving the visitors a narrow 12-run first-innings lead.

Saqib finished with impressive figures of 7-130 as Sri Lanka lost their last six wickets for 42 runs after resuming the day at 404-4, just 30 runs behind Pakistan’s first-innings total of 434-9 declared.

The 28-year-old removed both overnight centurions, Dhananjaya de Silva and captain Kusal Mendis, early in the day’s play to trigger a dramatic collapse.

De Silva departed for 167, caught behind by wicketkeeper Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, while Mendis added just two runs to his overnight score of 117 before falling to the same combination. Mendis finished with 119 off 202 balls.

Saqib Khan’s sensational 7-130 on debut. 🌟

#PAKvSL | #CricketKaJashan https://t.co/RryuiqiImS

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 12, 2026

Saqib continued to trouble the Sri Lankan batting line-up, dismissing Sonal Dinusha for 20, Lahiru Kumara for a duck and Asitha Fernando for four to complete his seven-wicket haul.

Mohammad Abbas provided support with two wickets, while Razaullah claimed one.

Saqib joins Pakistan’s debut record-holders

Saqib became the fourth Pakistan bowler to take seven wickets in an innings on his Test debut, joining Mohammad Nazir Jr, Mohammad Zahid and Abrar Ahmed.

Seven wickets and counting!

Saqib gets his man as Asitha Fernando edges behind.

#PAKvSL | #CricketKaJashan https://t.co/7ngLA31VQY

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 12, 2026

He also became the second Pakistan fast bowler to achieve the feat, matching a record set by Zahid against New Zealand in 1996, when the former pacer claimed seven wickets for 66 runs.

Mohammad Nazir Jr had taken seven wickets for 99 runs against New Zealand in 1969, while Abrar Ahmed returned figures of 7-114 against England in 2022.

Pakistan had declared their first innings at 434-9 after Saud Shakeel top-scored with 93, while Tayyab Arif and Arafat Minhas contributed 57 and 52, respectively.

The hosts will now look to build a substantial lead when they resume their second innings.

— With additional input from AFP.