Pakistan and Sri Lanka draw first Rawalpindi Test

Pakistan and Sri Lanka drew the first Test in Rawalpindi on November 13, after Saud Shakeel’s 97 helped the hosts recover from a second-innings collapse and reach 284 for 8. Rain and bad light had cut into playing time during the match, leaving too little time for either side to force a result.

Pakistan resumed the final day at 57 for 1, with a 45-run lead. Sri Lanka took four wickets in the morning session, reducing the hosts to 125 for 5 and bringing a possible victory within reach. Shakeel steadied the innings, making 97 before Lahiru Kumara bowled him. Pakistan’s total stood at 284 for 8 when the teams agreed to end the match.

Shakeel’s innings followed his 93 in Pakistan’s first innings. He shared a 92-run sixth-wicket stand with Ghazi Ghori, who made 35, to blunt Sri Lanka’s attack. Pakistan’s overall lead had grown to 272 by the time play ended.

Sri Lanka had taken a 12-run first-innings lead after being dismissed for 446 in reply to Pakistan’s 434 for 9 declared. Dhananjaya de Silva made 167 and captain Kusal Mendis scored 119, combining for a 249-run fifth-wicket partnership that put Sri Lanka in a strong position. Once the partnership ended, the visitors lost their...