Saqib triggers spectacular SL collapse: 1st Test, Day 4 (Rawalpindi)

Sri Lanka sensationally lost 6-42 and only managed a narrow first-innings lead of 12 runs after being dismissed for 446 on Day 4 of the opening Test against Pakistan at Rawalpindi.

Dhananjaya de Silva didn’t add to his overnight 167, while Kusal Mendis only added a few runs to be out for 119. The pair played major roles in taking Sri Lanka past Pakistan’s first-innings total of 434 for 9 declared.

Saqib Khan was the standout performer with the ball, claiming an impressive 7 for 130.

Pakistan began their second innings looking to establish a match-winning advantage and reached 57 for 1 at stumps, extending their overall lead to 45 runs. With nine wickets remaining, the hosts have an opportunity to build a challenging target for Sri Lanka on the final day.

The contest remains finely balanced, with both teams still having a realistic chance of securing victory.

Pakistan 434 for 9 decl and 57 for 1 lead Sri Lanka 446 (de Silva 167, Kusal 119, Saqib 7-130) by 45 runs.

Nov 2026.