Pakistan still hold edge despite Sri Lanka's fightback on day two of first Test

Pakistan maintained a commanding position in the opening Test against Sri Lanka despite a late fightback from the visitors on the second day at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Sri Lanka reached 114-3 in 27.1 overs at stumps after Pakistan declared their innings on 434/9. The visitors were still 320 runs behind Pakistan's first-innings total, with Kamindu Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva unbeaten at the close of play.

How did Pakistan's bowlers put Sri Lanka under early pressure?

Sri Lanka's pursuit of a strong reply got off to a disastrous start as Mohammad Abbas struck in the opening overs, sending Pasindu Sooriyabandara back to the pavilion without scoring.

Debutant Saqib Khan quickly made his presence felt, picking up his maiden international wicket by removing experienced batter Dinesh Chandimal for just one. The dismissal left the visitors struggling at 12-2 after only 3.3 overs.

Lahiru Udara and Kamindu Mendis subsequently took responsibility for rebuilding the innings. The pair adopted a cautious approach, negotiating the early threat from Pakistan's bowling attack and gradually restoring some stability.

Their partnership crossed the 50-run mark before Saqib intervened once again. The debutant dismissed Udara for 42 from 52 balls, an innings featuring seven boundaries, to reduce Sri Lanka to 65-3 in 16.5 overs.

Who helped Sri Lanka recover before stumps?

With three wickets down, Dhananjaya de Silva joined Kamindu at the crease and provided the resistance Sri Lanka desperately needed.

The two batters displayed composure against the Pakistani attack, refusing to allow further breakthroughs and putting together an unbeaten 50-run partnership.

Kamindu moved to 40 not out, while De Silva contributed an unbeaten 22 as Sri Lanka crossed the 100-run mark.

However, deteriorating light forced an early conclusion to the day's proceedings, leaving the visitors with considerable work to do when play resumes on Wednesday.

How did Pakistan build a commanding first-innings total?

Earlier, Pakistan declared their first innings at 434-9 after batting for 106.3 overs, with five players registering half-centuries, including three debutants.

Resuming day two, Saud Shakeel and Ghazi Ghori continued their impressive sixth-wicket stand, adding 96 runs to push Pakistan beyond 300.

Ghazi narrowly missed out on a half-century, departing for 48 off 72 deliveries after Dilshan Madushanka broke the partnership at 349-6.

Arafat Minhas then joined Shakeel and contributed 44 runs in another valuable partnership. Shakeel, who had looked set for a century, eventually fell for 93 from 199 balls, including nine boundaries, with Asitha Fernando providing the breakthrough at 393-7.

Which batters completed their half-centuries?

Minhas continued Pakistan's progress alongside Razaullah, taking the hosts beyond the 400-run mark.

The all-rounder reached his maiden Test half-century before Madushanka dismissed him for 52 off 72 balls. His innings included nine fours and a six.

Lahiru Kumara subsequently removed Razaullah for 10, prompting Pakistan captain Babar Azam to declare at 434-9.

Madushanka and Fernando finished with three wickets apiece, while Kumara, Milan Rathnayake and Sonal Dinusha claimed one each.

Pakistan had already established a strong foundation on the opening day through an 86-run opening partnership between Azan Awais and debutant Tayyab Arif.

Tayyab impressed with 57 off 51 deliveries, while Azan contributed 30 from 50 balls. Babar and debutant Mohammad Taha subsequently added 69 runs for the third wicket.

Babar scored 50 off 58 balls before falling to Madushanka, while Taha registered his maiden Test half-century, making 51 from 105 deliveries.

Salman Ali Agha added 16 before being dismissed by Fernando, while Shakeel's 93 provided the backbone of Pakistan's innings.