Dhanajaya, Kusal lead SL fightback, apply pressure on Pakistan: 1st Test, Day 3 ...

Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis struck centuries as Sri Lanka produced a superb fightback on Day 3 of the opening Test against Pakistan at Rawalpindi.

Dhananjaya de Silva led the recovery with a magnificent unbeaten 167, while Kamindu Mendis contributed a valuable 58. The visitors recovered impressively from their early setbacks to put themselves back in contention after Pakistan had declared their first innings at 434 for 9.

Kusal Mendis provided further momentum with an outstanding unbeaten 117, sharing a crucial partnership with De Silva that frustrated the Pakistani bowling attack throughout the day. The pair have put on 249 runs so far for the 5th wicket.

Mohammad Abbas and Saqib Khan claimed two wickets each, but Pakistan struggled to break through as Sri Lanka finished just 30 runs behind.

Pakistan 434 for 9 declared (Saud Shakeel 93, Tayyab Arif 57, Arafat Minhas 52, Mohammad Taha 51, Babar Azam 50; Asitha Fernando 3-107, Dilshan Madushanka 3-108) vs Sri Lanka 404 for 4 (Dhananjaya de Silva 167*, Kusal Mendis 117*, Kamindu Mendis 53, Lahiru Udara 42; Mohammad Abbas 2 wickets, Saqib Khan 2 wickets). 

Nov 2026