Sri Lanka stumble to 114-3 in reply to Pakistan’s 434-9

RAWALPINDI: Sri Lanka reached 114 for three in reply to Pakistan’s first-innings total of 434 for nine at stumps on the second day of the opening Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

The visitors trail by 320 runs, with Kamindu Mendis unbeaten on 40 off 78 balls and Dhananjaya de Silva on 22 off 28 deliveries as the pair sought to stabilise the innings after early setbacks.

Pakistan’s bowlers made an encouraging start, claiming three wickets to keep the visitors in check. Saqib Khan took two wickets, while the hosts will look to make further inroads when play resumes.

Stumps, Day 2: We head into the pavilion at 114/3, trailing Pakistan’s first-innings total by 320 runs. 🏏 #PAKvSL https://t.co/0CZscUD24j

— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) November 10, 2026

Earlier, Pakistan posted 434 for nine in 106.3 overs, 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 was among the leading performers with the ball, claiming three wickets, while Asitha Fernando also picked up three.

Pakistan will look to extend their advantage on the third day, while Sri Lanka will depend on their unbeaten pair to narrow the deficit and keep the match within reach.

The opening Test is part of a two-match series, with the second match scheduled to begin on November 17 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

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

Ahead of the series, captain Babar Azam expressed confidence in the revamped squad, saying Pakistan were ready to fight back following their disappointing 3-0 defeat to England.

He said the team had planned to give younger players opportunities during the England series and was now prepared to move forward with a new group.

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

The two-match series marks Pakistan’s first Test assignment since their heavy defeat in England, where seven players were sent home after the second Test. The subsequent overhaul also saw head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul dismissed in September, while white-ball coach Mike Hesson was brought into the Test set-up.