Dhananjaya de Silva Leads Sri Lanka's Strong Reply on Day 3 Against Pakistan in Rawalpindi
Sri Lanka reached 348/4 at Tea on Day 3, trailing Pakistan by 86 runs in the first Test, setting up an intriguing battle for the final two days.
The story
At Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka's Dhananjaya de Silva spearheaded a determined batting effort on Day 3 of the first Test against Pakistan. Resuming their first innings on 114-3, the visitors steadily built their score, with de Silva remaining unbeaten on 87 at lunch.
He capitalized on a dropped catch at 38, forging a crucial 90-run fourth-wicket partnership with Kamindu Mendis, who scored 58. Veteran seamer Mohammad Abbas broke the partnership, claiming Mendis' wicket for his second of the innings.
However, de Silva continued to anchor the innings, joined by Kusal Mendis (not out 21 at lunch), as Sri Lanka reached 221-4 by lunch. The afternoon session saw further consolidation, with Sri Lanka reaching 348/4 by Tea, now trailing Pakistan's declared first innings total of 434-9 by just 86 runs. Pakistan's inexperienced bowling attack struggled to make regular breakthroughs on a greenish wicket, particularly with the older ball.
Latest results
| Match | Format | Result | Star |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | Test | Day 3: Sri Lanka 348/4, trail Pakistan (434/9d) by 86 runs | Dhananjaya de Silva (unbeaten 100+) |
Series in play
Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan 2026. 1st Test, Day 3, Sri Lanka trail by 86 runs
India tour of New Zealand 2026. India leads the five-match ODI series 2-0 after three matches, with the third ODI abandoned due to rain.
England tour of Australia 2026. Three-match ODI series begins November 13
Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe in UAE 2026. Zimbabwe leads the two-match Test series 1-0
Tables that matter
ICC World Test Championship 2025-27
Position: 1. Australia (80.00%), 2. South Africa (75.00%), 3. New Zealand (72.22%)
Note: The top two teams at the end of the cycle qualify for the final in 2027. India is 5th (51.52%), Pakistan 9th (4.63%), and Sri Lanka 7th (33.33%).
ICC Men's Test Team Rankings
Position: 1. South Africa, 2. Australia, 3. England, 4. India
Note: Rankings as of November 7, 2026.
ICC Men's ODI Team Rankings
Position: 1. India
Note: India holds the top spot in One Day International cricket as of November 7, 2026.
ICC Men's T20I Team Rankings
Position: 1. England
Note: England leads the T20 International rankings as of November 7, 2026.
What we'll be watching
- Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: Day 4 of the 1st Test in Rawalpindi (2026-11-12T04:30Z).
- India vs New Zealand: 4th ODI in Mount Maunganui (2026-11-13T02:00Z).
- Australia vs England: 1st ODI in Perth Stadium (2026-11-13T03:30Z).
- Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe: Day 1 of the 2nd Test in Sharjah Cricket Stadium (2026-11-13T06:00Z).
Reporting + analyst voices: grounded via Google Search at publish time.