Saqib Khan Takes Seven on Test Debut as Pakistan Fight Back Against Sri Lanka
RAWALPINDI: A dream debut for Saqib Khan turned Pakistan’s fortunes around in Rawalpindi on Thursday, as the young fast bowler ripped through Sri Lanka’s batting lineup with seven wickets to bring the hosts back into the opening Test.
Sri Lanka began the day firmly in control at 404-4, but Saqib had other ideas. His outstanding spell sparked a stunning collapse, with the visitors losing their final six wickets for just 42 runs to finish on 446.
The debutant returned figures of 7-130, giving Pakistan a much-needed lift after Sri Lanka had dominated the previous day’s play.
Saqib Khan Sparks Dramatic Sri Lankan Collapse
Saqib wasted little time making his presence felt. In the opening over, he removed Dhananjaya de Silva, who had resumed on an unbeaten 167.
De Silva failed to add to his overnight score, edging a delivery into the gloves of wicketkeeper Ghazi Ghori.
The breakthrough gave Pakistan fresh energy, and Saqib continued to pile pressure on the Sri Lankan batters.
Captain Kusal Mendis also fell to the debutant, dealing another major blow to the visitors.
Saqib went on to dismiss Sonal Dinusha for 20 before cleaning up the tail with the wickets of Lahiru Kumara and Asitha Fernando.
What had looked like a potentially massive Sri Lankan total was suddenly restricted to 446, leaving Pakistan trailing by just 12 runs on the first innings.
Seven Wickets and a Place in Pakistan’s Record Books
Saqib’s performance was more than just a match-changing spell. It also earned him a place among some of Pakistan’s most memorable Test debutants.
He became only the fourth Pakistani bowler to take seven wickets in an innings on Test debut, joining Mohammad Zahid, Mohammad Nazir and Abrar Ahmed.
Zahid achieved figures of 7-66, Nazir claimed 7-99, while Abrar recorded 7-114 on his debut.
For Saqib, it was the kind of introduction to international cricket that few players could have imagined.
Pakistan Build a Lead Before Weather Intervenes
Pakistan’s second innings began with an early setback when Tayyab Arif was trapped lbw by Asitha Fernando for 11 shortly before lunch.
But Azan Awais and Mohammad Taha steadied the innings, putting together an unbeaten partnership to keep Pakistan in control.
Awais reached 22 not out, while Taha remained unbeaten on 24 as Pakistan moved to 57-1.
Just as the hosts were beginning to build momentum, rain and deteriorating light brought proceedings to a premature close.
Pakistan ended the day with a lead of 45 runs and nine wickets remaining.
Rain Could Decide the Fate of Rawalpindi Test
Despite Pakistan’s impressive comeback, the weather may have the final say.
With more rain forecast for Friday and valuable playing time already lost, the possibility of a draw is growing.
That would leave both teams heading into the second and final Test with everything still to play for.
The series finale is scheduled to begin in Rawalpindi on November 17.
For now, however, the spotlight belongs to Saqib Khan, whose remarkable seven-wicket debut has given Pakistan something to celebrate in an otherwise rain-hit contest.
