Tayyab Arif shines on debut as Pakistan end day 1 at 281-5 against Sri Lanka

Pakistan ended the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka at 281-5 after 67.2 overs at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday, with four batters registering half-centuries and debutant Tayyab Arif making an immediate impression.

Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis won the toss and elected to field, but Pakistan's new-look batting lineup responded with a positive start.

The opening pair of Azan Awais and Tayyab Arif added 86 runs before Awais was dismissed for 30. Arif, playing his maiden Test, continued to attack the Sri Lankan bowlers and brought up an impressive half-century before departing for 57 off 51 balls, hitting nine fours and a six.

Pakistan lost both openers in quick succession, with Asitha Fernando dismissing Arif after Milan Rathnayake had removed Awais.

Mohammad Taha, another debutant, then joined captain Babar Azam at the crease. The pair steadied the innings, with Taha showing patience and composure while Babar played his trademark attacking strokes.

Babar brought up his 35th Test half-century but could not convert it into a bigger score, falling for 50 off 58 deliveries to Dilshan Madushanka.

Taha continued his impressive debut, scoring 51 off 105 balls before becoming Sonal Dinusha's first victim of the innings.

Mohammad Taha, another debutant, then joined captain Babar Azam at the crease. The pair steadied the innings, with Taha showing patience and composure while Babar played his trademark attacking strokes.

Babar brought up his 35th Test half-century but could not convert it into a bigger score, falling for 50 off 58 deliveries to Dilshan Madushanka.

Taha continued his impressive debut, scoring 51 off 105 balls before becoming Sonal Dinusha's first victim of the innings.

Saud Shakeel provided further stability in the middle order, reaching his half-century as Pakistan looked to finish the day strongly. He remained unbeaten on 57, while wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Ghazi Ghori was not out on seven when bad light brought an early end to play.

Salman Ali Agha contributed 16 before falling to Asitha Fernando, who finished the day among Sri Lanka's leading wicket-takers with two scalps. Milan Rathnayake, Dilshan Madushanka and Sonal Dinusha claimed one wicket apiece.

Pakistan's four debutants for the match were Tayyab Arif, Mohammad Taha, Arafat Minhas and Saqib Khan. While Arif and Taha made valuable contributions with the bat, Minhas and Saqib are also beginning their Test careers in Rawalpindi.

With Pakistan at 281-5 at stumps, Saud Shakeel will resume on Day 2 alongside Ghazi Ghori as the hosts look to build on their promising first-day performance.