Saud leads Pakistan charge as hosts reach 390-6 at lunch

Debutant Minhas provides late support as Pakistan build on strong opening-day platform against Sri Lanka

Pakistan were 390-6 at lunch in 99 overs on the second day of the opening test against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi on Tuesday with Saud Shakeel unbeaten on 91 and debutant Arafat Minhas providing valuable support as the hosts strengthened their position.

Resuming at 281-5 on Tuesday, with Saud batting on 57 and Ghazi Ghori on seven, Pakistan added 108 runs in the morning session while losing only one wicket to take firm control of the contest.

Saud continued his patient innings, striking nine fours in his 192-ball knock, while Minhas remained unbeaten on 27 from 49 deliveries, including four boundaries and a six.

Ghori fell 48 after adding 96 runs for the sixth wicket with Saud. The wicketkeeper batter was caught by Pasindu Sooriyabandara off Dilshan Madushanka in the 89th over, ending a valuable partnership that had frustrated Sri Lanka's bowlers.

Saud, who had reached his half-century before stumps on the opening day, remained the cornerstone of Pakistan's innings as Minhas offered useful support at the other end.

Madushanka and Fernando have taken two wickets each for Sri Lanka, while Milan Rathnayake has claimed one.

Pakistan had finished the opening day at 281-5 after Sri Lanka elected to field, with Tayyab Arif scoring 57, Mohammad Taha making 51 and captain Babar Azam contributing 50.

The hosts, who handed test debuts to four players in the match, will look to convert their strong batting position into a substantial first-innings total.