Summary Sri Lanka lost Kusal Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva early on day followed by four other remaining wickets as Pakistan debutant Saqib Khan claimed five wickets, Razaullah taking the last.
RAWALPINDI (Dunya News) - Pakistan strengthened their position in the first Test against Sri Lanka, extending their overall lead to 45 runs before bad light and rain brought an early end to the fourth day's play at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
The hosts reached 57-1 in their second innings after 21.2 overs, with Azan Awais unbeaten on 22 and Mohammad Taha batting on 24 when play was abandoned.
Pakistan suffered an early setback when opener Tayyab Arif was trapped lbw by Asitha Fernando for 11 off just eight deliveries, leaving the hosts at 15-1 in the third over.
However, Azan and Taha steadied the innings with a valuable partnership, ensuring Pakistan maintained their advantage.
The pair continued to build on their stand after lunch before adverse weather conditions forced the players off the field.
Pakistan had earlier posted an imposing 434-9 in their first innings before Sri Lanka responded with 446, securing an overall lead of 12 runs.
The visitors' innings was largely built around a magnificent 249-run partnership between Dhananjaya de Silva and captain Kusal Mendis, both of whom scored centuries.
Sri Lanka initially struggled after losing two wickets for just 12 runs, with Mohammad Abbas dismissing Pasindu Sooriyabandara for a duck and debutant Saqib Khan removing Dinesh Chandimal for one.
Lahiru Udara and Kamindu Mendis attempted to revive the innings through a 50-run partnership. Udara scored 42 before falling to Saqib, while Kamindu added 58 off 131 deliveries in a 90-run stand with De Silva.
De Silva produced a commanding 167 off 246 balls, including 20 boundaries, while Kusal contributed 119 from 202 deliveries, hitting 10 fours and four sixes.
Pakistan, however, mounted an impressive comeback on the fourth morning, claiming Sri Lanka's remaining six wickets for just 42 runs.
Saqib spearheaded the recovery, dismissing De Silva and Kusal in consecutive overs before completing an outstanding seven-wicket haul.
He also removed Sonal Dinusha, Lahiru Kumara and Asitha Fernando to finish with figures of 7-130 from 34 overs.
Abbas claimed two wickets, while Razaullah picked up one.
