Rawalpindi: A remarkable performance by debutant Saqib Khan has given Pakistan a crucial advantage in the first Test against Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi, as the pacer claimed seven wickets to restrict Sri Lanka's lead to a mere 12 runs. Pakistan, now leading by 45 runs, will resume play with nine wickets in hand on the final day of the match, which is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025/27.

According to International Cricket Council, Sri Lanka began Day 4 at 404/4 in response to Pakistan's 434/9, poised to take control of the match. However, Saqib Khan's inspired bowling spell dismantled their batting lineup. Saqib, who had already taken two wickets earlier in the innings, made an immediate impact by dismissing overnight batter Dhananjaya de Silva for 167 in the first over of the day. He then went on to remove centurion Kusal Mendis, who added 119 runs.

The dismissal of de Silva ended a record 249-run partnership with Mendis, marking Sri Lanka's best fifth-wicket stand against Pakistan in Men's Tests. Both de Silva and Mendis were caught behind. Despite some resistance from Sonal Dinusha, who scored 20 runs, Saqib completed his five-for by dismissing him and proceeded to clean up the tail, finishing with figures of 7/130. This performance ranks as the fourth-best innings haul for a Pakistani bowler on debut.

As the game heads into its final day, the outcome remains undecided, with Pakistan holding a slender 45-run lead. In the World Test Championship standings, Sri Lanka occupies the seventh position with a point percentage of 33.33, while Pakistan is placed ninth with a point percentage of 4.63.