Pakistan reaches 137-2 in first session as debutant Tayyab Arif hits 57
The 20-year-old opener struck nine boundaries and a six against Sri Lanka, anchoring a new-look side in a World Test Championship match at Rawalpindi.
By Pedro Barnes ·
Tayyab Arif scored 57 runs on his test debut to provide Pakistan with a strong opening to the first match against Sri Lanka on Monday. The 20-year-old batsman struck nine boundaries and one six during his innings as the hosts reached 137-2 at the lunch interval.
Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis chose to bowl first after winning the toss on a greenish pitch. The visitors attempted to disrupt the Pakistani lineup by removing both opening batters in consecutive overs. Azan Awais fell for 30, and Arif was dismissed shortly after, ending the top order's rapid start.
Before their dismissal, Arif and Awais had built a foundation of 86 runs without loss in 16 overs. Arif completed his half-century off 46 balls, hitting back-to-back boundaries against Lahiru Kumara. Kumara was removed from the attack after conceding 24 runs in his first four overs.
After the early wickets, Babar Azam and Mohammad Taha stabilized the innings. Azam remained unbeaten on 31 at the break. Taha, also making his debut, survived a close leg before wicket review against Milan Rathnayake. Rathnayake was the leading bowler for Sri Lanka, claiming one wicket for 18 runs in eight overs.
Pakistan promoted four players to the test squad for this series. Alongside Arif and Taha, the team included allrounder Arafat Minhas and fast bowler Saqib Khan. The selection aims to expand the pool of players for the upcoming World Test Championship cycle. Veteran Mohammad Abbas leads the pace attack, joined by Razaullah and Saqib. The team played without a specialist spinner, as Sri Lanka omitted Prabath Jayasuriya from its squad.
Pakistan currently sits in last place in the World Test Championship standings. The team has won two of its nine matches in the current cycle. Recent losses include a three-match sweep in England and a two-match defeat to Bangladesh. Sri Lanka is ranked seventh, with one win, three draws, and two losses in its six test matches this cycle.
Sri Lanka has been in Pakistan for over a month. The visitors lost the T20 series 2-1 and the final of the ODI triangular series to the hosts. The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium remains a favorable venue for the visitors, which recorded the second-highest successful run chase in ODI history there last month. Sri Lanka chased 430 against England during the tri-series.
