Atrás
Sri Lanka produced a moment of brilliance in the field during the first Test against Pakistan at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, with Pasindu Sooriyabandara pulling off a spectacular catch to dismiss Ghazi Ghori. The fielder displayed excellent reflexes and commitment at gully to complete a difficult opportunity off Dilshan Madushanka’s bowling.
Ghori had looked comfortable at the crease and was closing in on his maiden Test half-century when the dismissal brought his innings to an end. The wicket came at a crucial stage for Sri Lanka, who were looking to prevent Pakistan’s lower order from extending an already strong first-innings total. Ghori walked back after scoring 48 off 72 deliveries, including two boundaries.
The dismissal came when Madushanka bowled a back-of-a-length delivery angled across the right-hander. Ghori attempted to play it late and guide the ball past the slip cordon, but ended up getting an outside edge that travelled towards the left of the gully fielder.
Sooriyabandara reacted quickly, moved to his left and launched himself into a full-length dive with both hands outstretched. The ball stuck in his left hand despite the difficult angle, allowing him to complete a stunning catch and send Ghori back to the pavilion just two runs short of his maiden Test fifty. Madushanka picked up his second wicket of the innings with the dismissal.
Dilshan Madhushanka Dismissed Ghazi Ghori on 48. pic.twitter.com/ZWDsovFt4s
— Khan Cricket (@AdnanKhan265) November 10, 2026
Pakistan had won the toss on the opening day and elected to bat, but Sri Lanka struggled to make the most of the early assistance from the surface. Debutant opener Tayyab Arif gave the hosts a brisk start with 57 off 51 balls, while Azan Awais contributed 30 as the opening pair added 86 runs. Babar Azam then scored 50 off 58 deliveries, while another debutant, Mohammad Taha, registered a patient 51 off 105 balls.
The hosts ended Day 1 at 281/5 after bad light brought an early end to play. Resuming on the second morning, Saud Shakeel continued to anchor the innings and remained unbeaten on 91 off 192 deliveries at the 99-over mark. Arafat Minhas also provided useful support with an unbeaten 27, taking Pakistan to 390/6, while Sri Lanka’s Asitha Fernando and Madushanka had two wickets each at that stage.