Pakistan and Sri Lanka draw rain-hit Rawalpindi Test

Pakistan and Sri Lanka drew the first Test in Rawalpindi after rain and bad light curtailed play, leaving the five-day match without a decisive result. Pakistan had secured a 12-run first-innings lead, but the lost playing time limited the opportunity to force a win.

Sri Lanka made 446 in reply to Pakistan’s declared 434 for 9. Debutant fast bowler Saqib Khan took seven wickets, dismissing Dhananjaya de Silva for 167 to end a 249-run fifth-wicket partnership with Kusal Mendis. Mendis scored 119. Sri Lanka had resumed the fourth day at 404 for 4, then lost their remaining six wickets for 42 runs.

Pakistan’s second innings began with the side trailing by 12. At stumps on the fourth day, Pakistan were 57 for 1, with a lead of 45 runs, after rain and poor light had repeatedly interrupted play. The match’s final day also saw weather interruptions. Pakistan lost wickets as it tried to build a target, and the teams agreed to a draw.

The fifth-wicket stand had put Sri Lanka in position to build a substantial advantage. De Silva and Mendis each reached a century, recovering the innings after Sri Lanka had slipped to 155 for 4. Saqib’s spell shifted the momentum, and Sri Lanka finished...