Pakistan-Sri Lanka Test hit by bad weather after Saqib's heroics

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Saqib grabbed an impressive 7-130 on an overcast morning in Rawalpindi to spark a Sri Lankan collapse which saw the tourists slumping from their overnight 404-4 to 446 all out.

Rain and bad light hit the first Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka after pacer Saqib Khan took seven wickets on debut to lead the home team's fightback on Thursday.

Saqib grabbed an impressive 7-130 on an overcast morning in Rawalpindi to spark a Sri Lankan collapse which saw the tourists slumping from their overnight 404-4 to 446 all out.

Pakistan, who conceded a slender first innings lead of 12 runs, were 57-1 when bad light and then rain stopped play 45 minutes into the second session.

Opener Azan Awais and Mohammad Taha were the unbeaten batters with 22 and 24 respectively, with the home team now leading by 45 runs with nine wickets intact.

Pakistan had lost opener Tayyab Arif just before lunch, skittled lbw by Asitha Fernando for 11.

With more rain forecast for Friday, the Test is heading for a draw, leaving the series result on the second and final match, also in Rawalpindi from November 17.

Saqib, who shone in the overcast morning session, said Pakistan "did not bowl well yesterday".

"The head coach (Mike) Hesson advised us to bowl in the right areas and we followed that plan and were rewarded," he said.

"I have been working hard at domestic level and was waiting for my chance," Saqib added. "It's reward for hard and persistent work that I got seven wickets today."

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