Saqib Khan Debut Seven Wickets Stun Sri Lanka

Saqib Takes Seven Wickets On Test Debut As Rain Interrupts Pakistan-Sri Lanka Opener

November 13, 2026

3 minute read

The Saqib Khan debut produced figures of 7-130 on day four of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday. Resuming on 404-4, Sri Lanka collapsed to 446 all out, losing their last six wickets for 42 runs in a seven-wicket first session.

Saqib Khan Debut Delivers Seven Wickets in Rawalpindi

The 31-year-old became only the fourth Pakistan bowler, after Mohammad Nazir, Mohammad Zahid and Abrar Ahmed, to take seven wickets in an innings on Test debut. A relentless eight-over spell brought 5-25, and he removed centurions Dhananjaya de Silva and captain Kusal Mendis within the first 15 minutes.

Swing, Catching and Team Support

Saqib said his strength is the out-swinger and that the overcast conditions suited him. He added that coach Mike Hesson had urged the bowlers to hit the off-stump line after a difficult previous day.

Wicketkeeper Ghazi Ghori backed him with a spectacular diving catch to end Mendis on 119, and later took his sixth catch of the innings to remove Asitha Fernando. Razaullah wrapped up the morning by dismissing Milan Rathnayake, and the batting strength behind this Test is covered in What Sparked Salman Ali Agha’s Triple Century?

Pakistan Reach 57-1 Before Rain Stops Play

Sri Lanka took a first-innings lead of 12 runs, and Pakistan then reached 57-1 in 21.2 overs before bad light and rain stopped play at 3:05 pm. That leaves Pakistan 45 runs ahead, with Azan Awais on 22 after being dropped on 17 and debutant Mohammad Taha unbeaten on 24 after a first-innings half-century.

Debutant Tayyab Arif fell for 11. With four debutants in the side, a steady start on the next day matters, and clear roles from the coaching staff would help the new players settle and build a competitive lead.