Saqib Khan's Seven-Wicket Haul on Debut Helps Pakistan Bowl Out Sri Lanka for 446

Pakistan's debutant fast bowler Saqib Khan made a stunning start to his Test career, claiming seven wickets as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 446 on the fourth day of the first Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. His efforts helped Pakistan secure a narrow 12-run first-innings lead.

Sri Lanka resumed the day at 404 for four, with Dhananjaya de Silva and captain Kusal Mendis having shared an unbeaten 249-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Saqib struck in the first over of the day, dismissing de Silva for 167 before he could add to his overnight score. De Silva faced 246 deliveries and hit 20 fours before being caught behind by wicketkeeper Ghazi Ghori.

The fast bowler then removed Kusal Mendis, who added just two runs to his overnight score of 117 before being caught behind for 119. His innings included 10 fours and four sixes. Saqib continued his impressive spell by dismissing Sonal Dinusha for 20, caught by Salman Ali Agha, and trapped Lahiru Kumara lbw for a duck. He also removed Asitha Fernando for four, caught behind by Ghazi Ghori.

Earlier in the innings, Saqib had dismissed Dinesh Chandimal for one, caught by Salman Ali Agha, and opener Lahiru Udara for 42, caught behind by Ghazi Ghori. The debutant finished with figures of seven for 130 in 34 overs. Mohammad Abbas claimed two wickets, while Razaullah took one.

Sri Lanka had recovered from 65 for three, thanks to Kamindu Mendis's 58 and centuries from de Silva and Kusal Mendis. However, the visitors lost their remaining six wickets for just 42 runs on Thursday morning and were bowled out about an hour before lunch.

Earlier, Pakistan declared their first innings at 434 for nine, with Saud Shakeel top-scoring with 93. Tayyab Arif made 57, Arafat Minhas 52, Mohammad Taha 51, and captain Babar Azam 50. Sri Lanka's Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka took three wickets each. Pakistan have now started their second innings and reached 20 for one after six overs, leading by eight runs.