Taib Arif Scores Debut Half-Century as Pakistan Reach 90-2 in Rawalpindi Test

Rawalpindi: Pakistan scored 90 runs for the loss of two wickets in the Rawalpindi Test match. Opener Taib Arif scored a half-century on debut.

Pakistan lost their first wicket at 86 and their second at a total of 90. Opener Azan Awais was dismissed for 30, caught behind by wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis off the bowling of Milan Rathnayake.

The other opener, Muhammad Taib Arif, was out for 57, caught by Kusal Mendis off the bowling of Asitha Fernando.

Among the players making their Test debuts for the national side are openers Taib Arif and Muhammad Taha, all-rounder Arafat Minhas and fast bowler Saqib Khan.

Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis won the toss and, as expected, chose to bowl first. He said the pitch appeared to favour fast bowling. The visitors did not include an experienced spinner, keeping the pitch in mind.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam said Pakistan would need to be cautious in the first session. He had confirmed that at least four players would make their Test debuts for the national team.

On the instructions of CPO Hassan Mushtaq Sukhera, Rawalpindi Police have put effective security and traffic arrangements in place.