Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st Test: Saqib Khan's 7/130 keeps hosts in contention on Day 4 -

Saqib Khan produced a sensational bowling performance, claiming 7/130 to bring Pakistan back into contention against Sri Lanka on Day 4 of the first Test, before bad light and rain brought proceedings to an early close.

Match Analysis

Pakistan finished the fourth day on 57/1 in their second innings, holding a 45-run lead after Sri Lanka were dismissed for 446 in response to Pakistan’s first-innings total of 434/9 declared.

Saqib Khan’s seven wickets turn the tide

Saqib Khan was the standout performer for Pakistan, delivering an outstanding spell of 7/130 from 34 overs, including five maidens, to prevent Sri Lanka from establishing a commanding first-innings advantage.

With Sri Lanka threatening to take control of the contest, Khan’s seven-wicket haul proved crucial in restricting the visitors to 446, just 12 runs ahead of Pakistan’s first-innings total.

His remarkable performance ensured Pakistan remained firmly in the contest heading into their second innings, transforming what could have been a difficult position into an opportunity to push for victory on the final day.

Pakistan build slender lead before weather intervenes

Pakistan began their second innings looking to overturn the 12-run deficit but suffered an early setback, losing one wicket before reaching 39/1 at lunch.

Azan Awais was unbeaten on 16 alongside Mohammad Taha Khan on 12 at the interval, with Pakistan moving past the 50-run mark in the 20th over.

However, bad light and rain disrupted proceedings, leaving Pakistan stranded on 57/1 after 21.2 overs, with an overall advantage of 45 runs.

With nine wickets remaining and one day left to play, Pakistan will be hoping to build on Khan’s match-changing bowling display and establish a challenging target.

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will look to strike early on Day 5 and capitalise on Pakistan’s relatively narrow lead.

Despite the weather interruptions, Saqib Khan’s exceptional seven-wicket haul has given Pakistan renewed hope of securing a positive result in the opening Test.

Match Summary

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test, Day 4

Pakistan 434/9d (106.3 ov) & *57/1 (21.2 ov)

Sri Lanka 446/10 (117.2 ov)

Stumps : Day 4 – PAK lead by 45 runs.

SCORECARD

Player vs Player

7??-1??3??0?? ? Saqib Khan registers fourth-best bowling figures by a Pakistan bowler on Test debut! ???? #PAKvSL | #CricketKaJashan https://t.co/g7oAxs9zQ5

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 12, 2026

Match Stats

Fall of Wickets

Pakistan 1st Inning

1-86 (Azan Awais – 15.6 ov) 2-90 (Mohammad Tayyab Arif – 16.4 ov) 3-159 (Babar Azam – 34.5 ov) 4-227 (Mohammad Taha Khan – 55.1 ov) 5-253 (Salman Agha – 63.2 ov) 6-349 (Ghazi Ghori – 88.1 ov) 7-393 (Saud Shakeel – 100.2 ov) 8-434 (Arafat Minhas – 105.1 ov) 9-434 (Razaullah – 106.3 ov)

Sri Lanka 1st Inning

1-7 (Pasindu Sooriyabandara – 2.2 ov) 2-12 (Dinesh Chandimal – 3.3 ov) 3-65 (Lahiru Udara – 16.5 ov) 4-155 (Kamindu Mendis – 41.6 ov) 5-404 (Dhananjaya de Silva – 102.5 ov) 6-412 (Kusal Mendis – 106.6 ov) 7-432 (Sonal Dinusha – 112.6 ov) 8-440 (Lahiru Kumara – 114.1 ov) 9-444 (Asitha Fernando – 116.2 ov) 10-446 (Milan Rathnayake – 117.2 ov)