The opening Test of the ICC World Test Championship series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka ended in a draw after five days of play in Rawalpindi.
Pakistan entered the final day with a 45-run lead and fought to secure the draw by reaching 284/8 in their second innings. This total prevented Sri Lanka from taking a turn at the bat in the second innings.
The action on Day 5 resumed with Pakistan at 57/1. The team suffered two early wickets when Azan Awais (22) and Mohammad Taha (24) were dismissed by Lahiru Kumara and Asitha Fernando. Skipper Babar Azam scored 34 before being dismissed by Milan Rathnayaka, followed shortly by Salman Agha, who scored 13.
Ghazi Ghori contributed 35 runs, while Saud Shakeel anchored the other end. Shakeel, who had top-scored in the first innings with 93, appeared set for a century but was bowled by Kumara just three runs short of the milestone. During his knock, he hit seven boundaries.
The Sri Lankan bowling attack saw Milan Rathnayaka take 3/47, while Kumara (2/65) and Fernando (2/35) each claimed two wickets.
Earlier in the match, Pakistan chose to bat first and declared their first innings at 434/9. Sri Lanka replied with 446, establishing a 12-run lead thanks to centuries from Kusal Mendis (119) and Dhananjaya de Silva (167).
Saqib Khan was named the Player of the Match for his performance, having taken seven wickets in his debut Test.
