RAWALPINDI: Pakistan made a positive start to the opening Test against Sri Lanka, with debutant Tayyab Arif leading the way with a maiden fifty at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday.
At the end of the first session, the hosts had reached 137-2 in 30 overs, with captain Babar Azam unbeaten on 31 off 39 deliveries, including four boundaries, while another debutant, Mohammad Taha, was batting on 15 off 42 balls, having struck two fours.
After being asked to bat first, Pakistan made a flying start as openers Azan Awais and Arif took the attack to the Sri Lankan bowlers with an impressive display of strokeplay.
The opening pair looked confident from the outset, capitalising on loose deliveries and finding the boundaries regularly to put the visitors under early pressure. Their positive approach helped Pakistan bring up the 50-run mark during the opening stages of the first session.
Making his international debut, Arif impressed with an assured batting display, bringing up his maiden Test half-century to provide Pakistan with a solid platform. The young opener showcased his attacking intent, striking the ball cleanly and keeping the scoreboard ticking.
However, Sri Lanka eventually broke the 86-run opening partnership in the 16th over when Milan Rathnayake dismissed Awais, who departed for 30 off 35 deliveries, including seven boundaries.
The visitors struck again in the following over as Asitha Fernando removed Arif, bringing an end to an impressive debut innings. The right-handed batter scored 57 off 51 deliveries, hitting nine fours and a six at a strike rate of 111.76.
Following the two quick dismissals, Pakistan captain Babar Azam joined fellow debutant Mohammad Taha at the crease. The pair looked to consolidate the innings while maintaining the scoring momentum, guiding Pakistan past the 100-run mark in the 21st over.
