Pakistan and Sri Lanka Test Match Concludes in Draw After Intense Battle

The opening Test match of the ICC World Test Championship series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka ended in a draw after a gripping five-day contest in Rawalpindi. Pakistan, starting the final day with a 45-run lead, managed to finish their second innings at 284/8, ensuring Sri Lanka did not get a chance to bat again. Key performances included Saud Shakeel's near-century and outstanding bowling from debutant Saqib Khan, who took seven wickets. The match showcased intense competition, with both teams displaying remarkable skills.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 13, 2026, 21:44 IST

Test Match Summary

The first Test of the ICC World Test Championship series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka concluded in a draw after five days of intense competition in Rawalpindi. Starting the final day with a 45-run advantage, Pakistan displayed determination with the bat, finishing their second innings at 284/8, which prevented Sri Lanka from having a chance to bat again.

On Day 5, Pakistan resumed at 57/1 but faced an early challenge, losing Azan Awais (22) and Mohammad Taha (24) in quick succession, with wickets taken by Lahiru Kumara and Asitha Fernando. Captain Babar Azam fought valiantly for his 34 runs before being dismissed by Milan Rathnayaka, and shortly after, Salman Agha (13) fell, putting Pakistan in a precarious position.

Ghazi Ghori added a crucial 35 runs, but it was Saud Shakeel who anchored the innings, frustrating the Sri Lankan bowlers with his resolute batting. Shakeel, who had scored 93 in the first innings, continued his fine form, hitting seven boundaries before being bowled for 97 by Kumara, which marked the end of the match.

Rathnayaka was the standout bowler for Sri Lanka, finishing with figures of 3/47, while Kumara (2/65) and Fernando (2/35) each took two wickets. Earlier, Pakistan opted to bat first, declaring their first innings at 434/9, while Sri Lanka replied with 446, gaining a 12-run lead thanks to remarkable centuries from Dhananjaya de Silva (167) and Kusal Mendis (119). Saqib Khan, a debutant for Pakistan, was awarded Player of the Match for his impressive seven-wicket haul.