Saqib Khan Takes Seven Wickets on Test Debut as Pakistan Fight Back Against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi

admin · November 13, 2026 · 4 min read

Illustration of a Pakistan fast bowler in green delivering a ball at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium during the first Test against Sri Lanka.

Pakistan debutant Saqib Khan took seven wickets on Thursday, November 12, 2026, to drag his team back into the first Test against Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The 31-year-old fast bowler finished with 7 for 130 as Sri Lanka collapsed from 404 for 4 overnight to 446 all out, leaving Pakistan 57 for 1 at stumps and 45 runs ahead.

A morning that changed the Test

Sri Lanka had looked in complete control when play resumed. Dhananjaya de Silva and captain Kusal Mendis had put together 249 runs for the fifth wicket, and the tourists were well placed to build a big lead after Pakistan declared on 434 for 9.

Saqib changed the match in the space of two overs. With his first delivery of the morning, he removed de Silva for 167, ending the partnership. In his next over, he dismissed Mendis for 119. From there, the collapse gathered pace: Sri Lanka lost their last six wickets for just 42 runs.

How the collapse unfolded

Saqib’s breakthroughs were not limited to the two centurions. He had already announced himself by dismissing experienced batter Dinesh Chandimal with only his ninth delivery in Test cricket. On the fourth morning, he added Sonal Dinusha, Milan Rathnayake, Lahiru Kumara and Asitha Fernando, including an unbroken eight-over spell in which he claimed five wickets for 25 runs under overcast skies that suited his swing bowling.

Pakistan’s reply began steadily. The hosts reached 57 for 1 in 21.2 overs before bad light, and then rain, ended play about 45 minutes into the second session, with stumps called at 3:05 p.m. local time.

A rare debut in Pakistan’s record books

Saqib became only the fourth Pakistani bowler to take seven wickets in an innings on Test debut, after Mohammad Zahid (7 for 66), Mohammad Nazir (7 for 99) and Abrar Ahmed (7 for 114). He is only the second fast bowler after Zahid — and the only Pakistani quick this century — to manage the feat.

The performance was the reward for years of work in domestic cricket. Saqib was the leading fast bowler in the 2025-26 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy with 47 wickets, and he was one of four Pakistan players making their Test debut in this match.

Why it matters

Pakistan’s pace attack has long been the team’s identity, but the search for reliable new fast bowlers has been a recurring concern. A debutant taking seven wickets in a single innings gives the selectors a genuine option and the home crowd a new name to follow. For Sri Lanka, the collapse was a missed opportunity: from 404 for 4 with two set batters, they managed a first-innings lead of only 12 runs.

What happens next

The fifth and final day begins on Friday, November 13, but more rain is forecast and the match is heading toward a draw. That would leave the two-match series to be decided by the second Test, also in Rawalpindi, starting on November 17.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many wickets did Saqib Khan take on his Test debut?

Seven wickets for 130 runs from 34 overs in Sri Lanka’s first innings at Rawalpindi.

Who did Saqib Khan dismiss in his seven-wicket haul?

Both Sri Lankan centurions, Dhananjaya de Silva (167) and captain Kusal Mendis (119), along with Dinesh Chandimal, Sonal Dinusha, Milan Rathnayake, Lahiru Kumara and Asitha Fernando.

What is the record for wickets by a Pakistani on Test debut?

No Pakistani has taken more than seven wickets in an innings on debut. Mohammad Zahid, Mohammad Nazir, Abrar Ahmed and now Saqib Khan share the mark of seven.

What is the state of the first Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka made 446 in reply to Pakistan’s 434 for 9 declared. Pakistan closed day four on 57 for 1, leading by 45 runs, with the match heading for a draw after rain and bad light.

Saqib Khan waited until 31 for his Test debut. On the evidence of one extraordinary morning in Rawalpindi, the wait was worth it — for him, and for a Pakistan side that suddenly has a new fast-bowling story to tell.