Rawalpindi: Pakistan's debutant cricketer Mohammad Taha attributed his successful Test debut to the guidance of team captain Babar Azam, after scoring a half-century on the first day of the ICC World Test Championship match against Sri Lanka. Taha's innings of 51 runs, in partnership with Azam's 50, helped Pakistan reach a total of 281/5 by the end of the day.

According to International Cricket Council, Taha, playing his first Test match, credited Azam's leadership for easing his transition into international cricket. Taha expressed gratitude for the support from both Azam and head coach Mike Hesson, highlighting their advice to maintain his successful domestic game strategies. Taha emphasized the importance of building a substantial first-innings total to pressure the opposition, with a target exceeding 400 runs.

Sri Lanka's bowling coach, Ryan van Niekerk, acknowledged a slow start for his bowlers but noted improvements in the final session. The series continues with the first Test in Rawalpindi from November 9-13, followed by the second Test in Lahore from November 17-21.