Openers give Pakistan strong start against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi Test

Pakistan were on course to set a challenging target against Sri Lanka in the Rawalpindi Test after their batters gave them a good start on Monday.

Earlier, Sri Lanka won the toss and invited Pakistan to bat first.

Pakistan’s opening pair provided a solid start of 86 runs before Azaan Awais was dismissed for 30.

Making his Test debut, Tayyab Arif struck an impressive half-century off 46 balls and scored 57 before returning to the pavilion.

Captain Babar Azam, who appeared in good touch, also scored a fifty before being dismissed.

Mohammed Taha and Saud Shakeel were at the crease to build a strong partnership.

Pakistan handed Test caps to four players for the match, with Tayyab Arif, Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Taha and Saqib Khan making their debuts.

Speaking at the toss, Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis said the team had included four fast bowlers in the playing XI.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam said his side would look to play to its strengths during the opening session.

He added that the team also had several experienced players in its lineup.

Pakistan have handed Test caps to four players for the opening match against Sri Lanka. They include Tayyab Arif, Mohammad Taha, Arafat Minhas and Saqib Khan.

Babar Azam, Azaan Awais, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Abbas, Razaullah and Ghazi Ghori are also part of the Pakistan squad.