Tayyab Arif marked his Pakistan Test debut with an unbeaten 53 as the hosts reached 86-1 against Sri Lanka during the opening session of the first Test in Rawalpindi on Monday, November 9, 2026.
Arif reached his half-century from 47 balls, striking eight fours and one six, according to the live score at the first drinks interval.
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Tayyab Arif gives Pakistan a fast start
Tayyab Arif opened the innings with Azan Awais after Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis won the toss and chose to field at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
The right-handed opener attacked the new ball and helped Pakistan move quickly despite the early pressure traditionally associated with a Test match’s first session.
Awais made 30 from 50 deliveries before he was caught behind by Kusal Mendis off Milan Rathnayake at 15.6 overs.
Pakistan were 86-1 after 16 overs, with Arif still at the crease and Mohammad Taha joining him for his first Test innings.
Four Pakistan players make Test debuts
Pakistan named four debutants for the series opener: Arif, Taha, all-rounder Arafat Minhas and fast bowler Saqib Khan.
The changes form part of a new-look Pakistan side led by Babar Azam, who returned to the lineup as captain for the two-Test World Test Championship series.
Arif had been included in Pakistan’s wider Test plans after being selected for the squad and the preceding three-day warm-up match against Sri Lanka.
The opening Test is scheduled for November 9 to 13 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, followed by the second match in Lahore from November 17 to 21.
Sri Lanka looks for an early breakthrough
Sri Lanka’s first breakthrough came through Rathnayake, who removed Awais just before the drinks interval.
Lahiru Kumara and Asitha Fernando shared the new-ball duties as Sri Lanka attempted to exploit the early movement and keep Pakistan’s scoring rate under control.
Arif’s aggressive start has nevertheless put Pakistan in a strong position at the end of the first passage of play, with the home side holding eight wickets in hand.
What comes next
Pakistan will look to build a substantial first-innings total through the remainder of the opening day.
For Arif, the immediate target is to convert his half-century into a larger score while helping Pakistan establish control before Sri Lanka’s spinners become more influential later in the match.
The match is part of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle and is the first of two Tests between the sides in Pakistan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Tayyab Arif?
Tayyab Arif is a Pakistani right-handed opening batter who made his Test debut against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi on November 9, 2026.
How many runs did Tayyab Arif score on debut?
Tayyab Arif was unbeaten on 53 at the first drinks break of the opening session.
What was Pakistan’s score against Sri Lanka?
Pakistan were 86-1 after 16 overs in the first session of the first Test.
Who won the toss in the Pakistan-Sri Lanka Test?
Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis won the toss and chose to field.
Where is the first Pakistan-Sri Lanka Test being played?
The first Test is being played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Fact-Checked: Key match details, the Test schedule and Pakistan’s squad information were checked against ICC and Pakistan Cricket Board information, with the live score cross-checked against current scorecards.
Disclaimer: This is a live match update and the score, innings position and player statistics may change as play continues.