Rawalpindi: Pakistan bolstered their standing in the opening ICC World Test Championship match against Sri Lanka by amassing a formidable total before making early breakthroughs in the visitors' batting order on the second day of play.

According to International Cricket Council, Pakistan resumed their first innings at 281/5 and extended their dominance with key contributions from the lower order, ultimately declaring at 434/9. Saud Shakeel was a standout performer, adding to his overnight tally and narrowly missing a century by seven runs when he was caught by Kusal Mendis off Asitha Fernando. Ghazi Ghori partnered with Shakeel for a crucial 96-run sixth-wicket stand, scoring 48 before being dismissed by Dilshan Madushanka. Arafat Minhas contributed significantly from the No. 9 position, scoring 52 runs to propel Pakistan past the 400-run mark.

Sri Lanka's response was shaky, with early wickets falling to Mohammad Abbas and Saqib Khan, leaving them at 12/2 early on. Lahiru Udara attempted to stabilize the innings with a score of 42, forming a 53-run partnership with Kamindu Mendis. However, Saqib Khan struck again to dismiss Udara, leaving Sri Lanka at 114/3 at the end of the day, trailing by 320 runs. Kamindu Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva provided resistance with an unbeaten 62-run partnership before play was halted due to bad light.

The series is set to continue with the second Test scheduled for November 17-21 in Lahore.