Tayyab Arif’s Fifty Gives Pakistan a Promising Start Against Sri Lanka
Debutant opener impresses at Rawalpindi as Pakistan reach 137-2 at lunch on day one of the first Test.
Tayyab Arif – (Staff Reporter/Web Desk) – Tayyab Arif’s fifty gave Pakistan a bright start in the opening Test against Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday. The debutant played with great confidence and set the tone for the home side.
At the end of the first session, Pakistan were 137-2 in 30 overs. Captain Babar Azam was unbeaten on 31 off 39 balls, including four boundaries.
Another debutant, Mohammad Taha, was batting on 15 off 42 balls. He hit two fours and stayed calm at the crease.
Pakistan were asked to bat first. Openers Azan Awais and Arif attacked the Sri Lankan bowlers from the very first overs. They punished loose deliveries and found the boundary again and again.
𝑪𝑹𝑨𝑪𝑲𝑰𝑵𝑮 boundaries from Tayyab Arif as he brings up a half-century on Test debut! 💥
A statement start to his Test career 🇵🇰
#PAKvSL | #CricketKaJashan https://t.co/5u4OOlIufs
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 9, 2026
Their bold approach put the visitors under early pressure. Pakistan brought up the 50-run mark early in the session.
Arif then reached his maiden Test half-century on debut. He struck the ball cleanly and kept the scoreboard moving. His attacking intent impressed the crowd.
Sri Lanka finally broke the 86-run opening stand in the 16th over. Milan Rathnayake removed Awais for 30 off 35 balls. The opener hit seven boundaries in his knock.
Asitha Fernando struck in the very next over and dismissed Arif. The right-hander scored 57 off 51 balls, with nine fours and a six. His strike rate was 111.76.
Babar then joined Taha in the middle. The pair tried to settle the innings while keeping the runs flowing. They took Pakistan past 100 in the 21st over.
Pakistan will now hope to build on this strong start in the second session.
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