Pakistan extended their overall lead over Sri Lanka to 45 runs despite losing opener Tayyab Arif early, before bad light and rain forced an early end to the fourth day's play in the first Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

The hosts made a steady start to their second innings, with Tayyab finding the boundary twice in the opening overs. However, Asitha Fernando trapped the right-handed batter LBW for 11 off eight deliveries, leaving Pakistan at 15 for one after 2.2 overs.

Azan Awais and Mohammad Taha then combined to steady the innings, building a valuable partnership to extend Pakistan's advantage.

At lunch, Azan remained unbeaten on 16, while Taha was not out on 12.

The pair continued their resistance after the interval, adding further runs to Pakistan's lead. However, deteriorating weather conditions, including rain and poor light, forced the players off the field, bringing the day's proceedings to an early close after 21.2 overs.

At stumps, Pakistan were 57 for one, with an overall lead of 45 runs. Azan was unbeaten on 22, while Taha remained not out on 24.

De Silva and Kusal Lead Sri Lanka's Strong First-Innings Response

Earlier, Sri Lanka produced a strong batting performance in reply to Pakistan's first-innings total of 434 for nine, with Dhananjaya de Silva and captain Kusal Mendis sharing a massive 249-run partnership as both batters scored centuries.

Sri Lanka suffered an early setback on the second day, losing two wickets for just 12 runs. Mohammad Abbas dismissed opener Pasindu Sooriyabandara for a seven-ball duck before debutant Saqib Khan claimed his maiden international wicket by removing Dinesh Chandimal for one.

Lahiru Udara and Kamindu Mendis attempted to rebuild the innings with a 50-run partnership before Saqib struck again, dismissing Udara for 42 off 52 deliveries, including seven boundaries, to leave Sri Lanka at 65 for three.

De Silva and Kusal subsequently took control of the innings, putting together a commanding partnership that frustrated Pakistan's bowling attack.

Kamindu also made a valuable contribution, sharing a 90-run stand with De Silva. He scored 58 off 131 deliveries, including eight boundaries, before Mohammad Abbas dismissed him to leave Sri Lanka at 155 for four after 42 overs.

Saqib Khan Claims Seven Wickets as Pakistan Fight Back

Pakistan staged an impressive comeback on the fourth morning, as Sri Lanka managed just 42 additional runs before losing their remaining six wickets to be bowled out for 446.

Saqib made an immediate impact, dismissing the well-set De Silva for 167 off 246 deliveries, including 20 boundaries, to break the crucial 249-run partnership.

He then removed Kusal in the following over for an impressive 119 off 202 deliveries, featuring 10 boundaries and four sixes.

The debutant continued his outstanding spell, claiming the wickets of Sonal Dinusha (20), Lahiru Kumara (0) and Asitha Fernando (4).

Razaullah accounted for Milan Rathnayaka, who was dismissed for 12.

Saqib finished with remarkable figures of seven wickets for 130 runs in 34 overs, while Abbas claimed two wickets and Razaullah took one.

With Pakistan holding a 45-run lead and nine second-innings wickets remaining, the first Test remains finely poised heading into the remaining play.