Pakistan have taken a commanding position in the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. After declaring their first innings at 434 runs, the hosts put Sri Lanka under pressure by taking three early wickets. As the third day’s play begins, the visitors face a challenging task of reducing Pakistan’s substantial first-innings lead.
The third day of the opening Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka began at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on November 11, 2026.
Sri Lanka resumed their first innings at 114 runs for the loss of three wickets after the second day’s play was interrupted by bad light.
The visitors had faced 27.1 overs before play was stopped, leaving them 320 runs behind Pakistan’s first-innings total.
Pakistan’s bowlers made an encouraging start, with Saqib Khan claiming two wickets and experienced fast bowler Mohammad Abbas taking one.
Pakistan Declare First Innings at 434 Runs
Earlier, Pakistan produced a strong batting performance to post an impressive total in their first innings.
The home side declared at 434 runs for the loss of nine wickets on the second day of the match.
The substantial total gave Pakistan’s bowlers an opportunity to put Sri Lanka under pressure.
Middle-order batter Saud Shakeel played an important role in building Pakistan’s innings.
He scored 93 runs and emerged as the team’s leading run-scorer.
Although Shakeel missed out on a century by just seven runs, his contribution helped Pakistan establish a competitive total.
Saud Shakeel Misses Century by Seven Runs
Saud Shakeel was one of Pakistan’s standout performers in the first innings.
The left-handed batter played a valuable knock of 93 runs before falling short of the three-figure mark.
Speaking at a press conference after the second day’s play, Shakeel admitted that missing a century was disappointing.
Despite narrowly missing the milestone, his innings provided Pakistan with a strong foundation.
His performance also helped the home side maintain pressure on the visiting team.
Sri Lanka Lose Three Early Wickets
Sri Lanka faced a difficult start after Pakistan declared their innings.
The visiting side managed to score 114 runs in 27.1 overs but lost three wickets in the process.
Saqib Khan led Pakistan’s bowling effort by taking two wickets, while Mohammad Abbas contributed with another dismissal.
Their performances ensured that Sri Lanka remained under pressure heading into the third day.
With seven wickets remaining, the visitors needed another 320 runs to match Pakistan’s first-innings score.
Bad Light Interrupts Second Day’s Play
The second day’s play ended earlier than scheduled because of poor light conditions at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
As a result, Sri Lanka could not complete a full day’s batting.
The interruption meant the visiting team resumed their innings on the third morning with significant work still to do.
Weather and playing conditions can influence Test cricket, particularly when teams are trying to build long partnerships or take crucial wickets.
Can Pakistan Take a Big First-Innings Lead?
Pakistan entered the third day in a favorable position after posting 434 runs and dismissing three Sri Lankan batters.
The hosts will be looking to take the remaining wickets quickly and establish a substantial first-innings lead.
If Pakistan’s bowlers continue to perform effectively, they could strengthen their position in the match.
However, Sri Lanka still have an opportunity to recover by building partnerships and reducing the deficit.
The outcome will depend on how both teams perform during the remaining sessions.
What Will Happen on Day Three?
The third day is expected to be an important stage of the Rawalpindi Test.
Pakistan’s bowlers will aim to maintain pressure and prevent Sri Lanka from building a major partnership.
Meanwhile, the visiting batters will try to stabilize their innings and move closer to Pakistan’s total.
The key question is whether Pakistan can dismiss Sri Lanka cheaply or whether the visitors can produce a strong comeback.
For now, Pakistan hold a 320-run first-innings advantage based on the scores at the end of the second day.
Further developments will determine which team gains greater control of the opening Test.