Pakistan seized control of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi after debutants Tayyab Arif and Arafat Minhas helped the hosts accumulate 434 runs in their first innings. The Sri Lankan reply faltered early, leaving the tourists on 114 for three at the close of play.
Arif and Minhas, both making their Test debuts, produced composed performances that steadied Pakistan's innings after early wickets. Their partnerships allowed the home side to build a substantial total on a pitch that offered assistance to bowlers throughout the day.
Sri Lanka's top order struggled against Pakistan's disciplined attack, losing three wickets while still trailing by 320 runs. The visitors will need a resilient batting effort on the third day to avoid the follow-on and keep the match alive.
