Saqib Khan Shines on Debut with Seven-Wicket Haul Against Sri Lanka

Pakistan's debutant fast bowler Saqib Khan made an immediate impact in Test cricket by claiming seven wickets in the first Test against Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The right-arm pacer finished with figures of 7/130 as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 446 in their first innings.

Saqib's performance placed him fourth on the list of Pakistan's best bowling figures on Test debut, joining Mohammad Zahid, Mohammad Nazir, and Abrar Ahmed. His remarkable spell helped Pakistan restrict Sri Lanka after the visitors had seemed in control.

Sri Lanka, responding to Pakistan's first-innings total of 434/9, struggled early on the second day, losing two wickets for just 12 runs. Mohammad Abbas dismissed opener Pasindu Sooriyabandara for a seven-ball duck, and Saqib claimed his maiden international wicket by removing Dinesh Chandimal for one.

Lahiru Udara and Kamindu Mendis added 50 runs to stabilize the innings, but Saqib broke the partnership by dismissing Udara for 42. Kamindu continued the recovery alongside Dhananjaya de Silva, adding 90 runs before Abbas dismissed him for 58. Sri Lanka were reduced to 155/4.

De Silva and captain Kusal Mendis then took control with a 249-run partnership, both scoring centuries to put the visitors in a strong position. However, Pakistan fought back on the fourth morning, taking the remaining six wickets for just 42 runs.

Saqib led the comeback by dismissing De Silva for 167 in the opening over, and struck again in the following over to remove Kusal for 119. He then removed Sonal Dinusha, Lahiru Kumara, and Asitha Fernando to complete his seven-wicket haul. Razaullah dismissed Milan Rathnayaka as Pakistan wrapped up Sri Lanka's innings at 446.