Pakistan Shaheens vs Sri Lanka A: Kashif Ali, Khurram Shahzad bundle out SL A for 115, PAK A end Day 1 on 66/2

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Pakistan Shaheens vs Sri Lanka A: On Day 1 of the first unofficial Test between Pakistan Shaheens and Sri Lanka A at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Pakistan's pace duo, Kashif Ali and Khurram Shahzad, dominated to bowl out Sri Lanka A for a mere 115.

Kashif took a 5/31 while Khurram Shahzad delivered a 4/32 as the Shaheens pace duo broke the backbone of Sri Lankan batting in the first hour of the match. Winning the toss, Pakistan Shaheens took immediate control.

Kashif struck first, dismissing the top-order batters with impressive accuracy. He finished the morning session with figures of 3 for 23, putting Pakistan Shaheens in a commanding position. Khurram supported well, adding two wickets to his tally and helping reduce Sri Lanka A to 90/6 by lunch.

Sonal Dinusha, who held his ground with a resilient 30, and Pasindu Sooriyabandara, contributing 28, were the only significant scorers. However, both batters failed to build long partnerships as Pakistan's bowlers consistently found breakthroughs, giving Sri Lanka A no room to settle.

In the post-lunch session, Pakistan continued their dominance, dismissing the remaining three Sri Lankan batters for just 25 runs. Kashif Ali ended with a stellar 5/31, while Khurram concluded his spell with impressive figures of 4/32. Pakistan then started their first innings but lost captain Mohammad Huraira early, bowled for six by Vishwa Fernando. Abdul Faseeh, however, provided stability and looked comfortable at the crease, ending the tea break at 24/1, with Ali Zaryab joining him.

The final session saw a steady approach from Pakistan's batters, looking to build a substantial reply. Abdul Faseeh continued his measured innings but fell lbw to Wanuja Sahan after scoring 26, just after Pakistan crossed the 50-run mark. Mohammad Suleman then joined Ali Zaryab, and the two managed to keep the scoreboard ticking in the face of disciplined bowling. Suleman added valuable runs towards the close, hitting a few boundaries that kept Pakistan's momentum going.

At stumps, Pakistan Shaheens reached 66/2, with Ali Zaryab on 18 and Mohammad Suleman on 11, trailing by 49 runs with eight wickets in hand. The day belonged to Pakistan's bowlers, especially Kashif and Khurram, who set the tone early on. As Day 2 approaches, Pakistan will look to solidify their position and push for a strong first-innings lead.