Pakistan’s bowlers endured a grueling day at Rawalpindi’s Pindi Stadium as Sri Lankan batsmen Dhananjaya de Silva and captain Kusal Mendis hammered unbeaten centuries to seize control of the first Test on Wednesday.
De Silva remained undefeated on 167 while Mendis stood firm at 117 not out, combining for a massive 249-run partnership that has left Pakistan scrambling for answers. Sri Lanka closed day three at 404 for four, trailing by just 30 runs with six wickets still in reserve.
The unbroken fifth-wicket stand has already etched itself into the record books as Sri Lanka’s highest partnership against Pakistan for that wicket, surpassing the previous mark of 207 set by Thilan Samaraweera and Tillakaratne Dilshan in Lahore back in 2009. The pair now sits within touching distance of Sri Lanka’s all-time fifth-wicket record of 280, established against Bangladesh in 2005.
De Silva’s innings was a masterclass in patience and precision. The right-hander faced 241 deliveries, punishing loose balls with 20 boundaries while building his 14th Test century. His knock included a crucial slice of fortune when Saud Shakeel dropped him on 38 off pacer Razaullah—a missed chance that proved costly as De Silva capitalized ruthlessly.
Mendis, leading Sri Lanka in his first Test as captain, played with greater aggression. He smashed four sixes and ten boundaries across 188 balls, becoming the first Sri Lankan skipper to score a century in his debut match as captain. His milestone came via a ramp shot off Razaullah that epitomized his attacking intent.
Pakistan’s bowling attack struggled to make inroads on a flat surface. Veteran seamer Mohammad Abbas provided the only breakthrough of the day, dismissing Kamindu Mendis for 58 after the batsman edged to wicketkeeper Ghazi Ghori. Abbas finished with figures of two for 64, while debutant Saqib Khan claimed two for 105.
Young pacer Razaullah bore the brunt of the punishment, conceding 127 runs in 23 overs as Sri Lanka’s batsmen dominated. Pakistan’s spin options—Arafat Minhas and Salman Ali Agha—offered little relief, failing to trouble the well-set pair.
Sri Lanka had resumed their first innings at 114 for three, responding to Pakistan’s declared total of 434 for nine. That total was built on contributions from Saud Shakeel (93), Tayyab Arif (57), Arafat Minhas (52), Mohammad Taha (51), and captain Babar Azam (50).
Bad light forced an early end to play, cutting the day short by 15 minutes. But the damage was done—Sri Lanka added 290 runs on the day and now hold a commanding position heading into day four.
For Pakistan, the challenge is clear: break this partnership early or risk watching Sri Lanka build a substantial first-innings lead. With the pitch showing little assistance for bowlers and Sri Lanka’s tail still to come, the hosts face an uphill battle to regain control of this Test match.
The second Test, originally scheduled for Lahore, has been relocated to Rawalpindi due to poor weather conditions and will begin on November 17.
