Sri Lanka Vs Pakistan 1st Test: Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis Put Sri Lanka in Command With Stunning Centuries
Sri Lanka delivered a powerful response to Pakistan's first-innings total on the third day of the opening Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, with Dhananjaya de Silva and captain Kusal Mendis producing outstanding centuries to put the visitors in a commanding position.
The two experienced batters dominated Pakistan's bowling attack through much of Wednesday's play, building an unbeaten partnership worth more than 200 runs and taking Sri Lanka to 404/4 after 102 overs. With Pakistan having declared their first innings at 434/9, Sri Lanka were just 30 runs behind when bad light brought an early end to the day's action.
Dhananjaya remained unbeaten on 167 from 241 deliveries, while Kusal Mendis finished the day on 117 not out from 188 balls. Their partnership transformed Sri Lanka's position after an early collapse had left the visitors struggling at 12/2.
What makes Sri Lanka's recovery particularly impressive is the way the team responded to pressure. Losing two wickets almost immediately could have allowed Pakistan to take complete control, but the visitors rebuilt their innings through patience, partnerships and disciplined batting.
Kamindu Mendis also played a crucial role with 58, helping Dhananjaya stabilise the innings before the two unbeaten centurions took charge. Pakistan now face a serious challenge on the fourth day, as Sri Lanka look to erase the remaining deficit and establish a first-innings lead.
🔥 Dhananjaya de Silva Leads Sri Lanka's Recovery With a Brilliant 167 Not Out
Dhananjaya de Silva was the central figure in Sri Lanka's remarkable batting recovery. His unbeaten 167 was a demonstration of concentration, controlled aggression and the ability to handle pressure in difficult circumstances.
When he arrived at the crease, Sri Lanka had already lost two wickets for just 12 runs. Pakistan's bowlers had made an excellent start, and the visitors needed someone capable of rebuilding the innings without allowing the pressure to increase.
Dhananjaya provided exactly that response.
He carefully assessed the bowling, protected his wicket and gradually increased his scoring rate as the innings developed. His 241-ball effort included 20 boundaries, and his strike rate of 69.29 reflected an innings built around both stability and positive strokeplay.
He reached his half-century and then continued towards another major Test milestone. His century came from 151 deliveries, showing how effectively he balanced scoring opportunities with defensive responsibility.
Even after reaching three figures, Dhananjaya did not allow his concentration to drop. He continued scoring through the second and third sessions, eventually moving beyond 150 and finishing the day unbeaten on 167.
His innings was particularly valuable because it came when Sri Lanka needed a senior batter to take responsibility. Rather than allowing Pakistan to dictate the match, he gradually shifted the pressure back onto the home side.
Dhananjaya will now have an opportunity to convert his century into an even bigger score on the fourth day. If he continues batting with the same discipline, Sri Lanka could move into a strong first-innings position.
🏏 Kusal Mendis Scores His 11th Test Century as Sri Lanka Strengthen Their Position
Captain Kusal Mendis provided the perfect support for Dhananjaya, producing an impressive unbeaten 117 to complete a memorable day for Sri Lankan cricket.
Coming into the middle order after the early wickets, Kusal understood that his first responsibility was to prevent another breakthrough. He did not rush his innings or attempt unnecessary attacking shots against Pakistan's bowlers.
Instead, he focused on building a partnership with Dhananjaya and gradually increasing the pressure on the opposition.
Kusal reached his half-century from 87 deliveries and continued to find scoring opportunities as the partnership developed. His century arrived from 152 balls, and he finished the day having faced 188 deliveries.
His innings included 10 fours and four sixes, giving Sri Lanka an important combination of controlled batting and attacking intent.
The century was Kusal's 11th in Test cricket and another significant contribution from the Sri Lankan captain. It also demonstrated his ability to lead from the front during a challenging overseas assignment.
The most important aspect of his innings was the partnership with Dhananjaya. Instead of allowing Pakistan to attack a new batter after Kamindu's dismissal, Kusal settled in and helped extend Sri Lanka's recovery.
With both batters unbeaten at stumps, Pakistan will need to find a way to break their partnership early on the fourth day.
🤝 Dhananjaya and Kusal Build an Unbeaten Partnership Worth More Than 200 Runs
The partnership between Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis was the defining feature of the third day's play.
Sri Lanka had moved from 155/4 to 404/4 by the close, meaning the pair added 249 runs without losing a wicket after Kamindu Mendis was dismissed.
Their stand crossed 50, 100, 150 and eventually 200 runs, repeatedly frustrating Pakistan's bowling attack.
The partnership was effective because the two batters approached their innings intelligently. Dhananjaya was comfortable playing the role of the main aggressor, while Kusal provided stability and punished loose deliveries whenever opportunities appeared.
Both players showed patience against the spinners and discipline against the seamers. They also avoided giving Pakistan easy chances through unnecessary risks.
As the partnership grew, Pakistan's bowlers had fewer opportunities to attack with close fielders and sustained pressure. The visitors were increasingly comfortable at the crease, while the home side struggled to produce another breakthrough.
The stand also changed the psychological balance of the contest. Pakistan had started the innings with two quick wickets, but by the end of the third day, Sri Lanka were approaching their first-innings total with six wickets still in hand.
This is precisely why long partnerships are so important in Test cricket. A team can lose early wickets and still recover if two batters are prepared to spend time at the crease and build an innings together.
💪 Kamindu Mendis Scores 58 to Set Up Sri Lanka's Comeback
Before Dhananjaya and Kusal took complete control, Kamindu Mendis played a valuable role in stabilising the Sri Lankan innings.
Pakistan had already removed Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Dinesh Chandimal, leaving the visitors at 12/2. Lahiru Udara and Kamindu then attempted to rebuild the innings, but Udara's dismissal at 65/3 meant Sri Lanka still needed a substantial partnership.
Kamindu continued with patience and eventually scored 58 from 131 deliveries. His innings included eight boundaries and provided the foundation for Sri Lanka's recovery.
He also shared a 90-run partnership with Dhananjaya, which moved the visitors from a difficult position to 155/3.
Kamindu reached his seventh Test half-century, demonstrating his ability to contribute in challenging conditions. Although he was eventually dismissed by Mohammad Abbas, his innings had already helped change the direction of the match.
Abbas removed Kamindu at 155/4, but Pakistan could not capitalise on the breakthrough. Kusal joined Dhananjaya, and the two batters continued the recovery without allowing another wicket to fall.
⚡ Pakistan Take Early Wickets but Fail to Maintain Pressure
Pakistan began the Sri Lankan innings with an excellent bowling effort. The home side had posted 434/9 declared, and their bowlers immediately looked to build an advantage by attacking the visitors' top order.
Mohammad Abbas struck early, dismissing Pasindu Sooriyabandara for a seven-ball duck. The wicket put Sri Lanka under pressure almost immediately.
Debutant Saqib Khan then made an important contribution by claiming his maiden international wicket. He removed Dinesh Chandimal, who managed only one run from three deliveries.
The early breakthroughs left Sri Lanka at 12/2, creating an opportunity for Pakistan to take control of the match.
Saqib continued to make an impact when he dismissed Lahiru Udara for 42. Udara had played a positive innings, scoring seven boundaries from 52 deliveries, but his departure left Sri Lanka at 65/3.
Pakistan appeared to have the upper hand at that stage. However, the bowlers were unable to maintain the same level of control once Dhananjaya and Kamindu settled.
After Kamindu's dismissal, the home side again had an opportunity to break the innings open. Instead, Kusal and Dhananjaya produced a partnership that took the game away from Pakistan's immediate control.
Mohammad Abbas finished the day with two wickets for 64 runs from 29 overs, while Saqib Khan also claimed two wickets, conceding 105 runs from 26 overs.
Razaullah and Arafat Minhas were unable to take a wicket despite bowling 23 and 21 overs respectively.
Pakistan will need a much more effective performance on the fourth day if they want to prevent Sri Lanka from building a substantial lead.
🇵🇰 Pakistan's First-Innings Total of 434 Remains Under Threat
Pakistan had put together a strong first-innings total of 434/9 declared, but Sri Lanka's batting response has significantly reduced the value of that score.
Several Pakistan batters contributed important runs. Saud Shakeel was the leading scorer with 93, narrowly missing a century after spending 199 deliveries at the crease.
The innings also featured half-centuries from Tayyab Arif, Mohammad Taha, Babar Azam and Arafat Minhas.
Tayyab Arif scored 57 from 51 balls, providing an aggressive contribution at the top of the order. Mohammad Taha made 51 from 105 deliveries, while Babar Azam added 50 from 58 balls.
Arafat Minhas contributed 52 from 72 deliveries, and Ghazi Ghori made 48 from 72 balls.
These contributions helped Pakistan reach 434, but Sri Lanka's response has shown that the total may not be enough to guarantee control of the match.
Pakistan's bowlers must now find a way to take wickets early on day four. If Dhananjaya and Kusal continue their partnership for another session, Sri Lanka could move beyond Pakistan's total and put the hosts under considerable pressure.
📊 Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st Test: Day 3 Scorecard
<text weight="semibold">Pakistan first innings: 434/9 declared in 106.3 overs</text>
Saud Shakeel top-scored with 93, while Tayyab Arif made 57, Mohammad Taha scored 51, Babar Azam contributed 50 and Arafat Minhas added 52.
Sri Lanka's leading bowlers were Asitha Fernando with three wickets and Dilshan Madushanka with three wickets.
<text weight="semibold">Sri Lanka first innings: 404/4 in 102 overs</text>
Dhananjaya de Silva remained unbeaten on 167, Kusal Mendis was not out on 117, Kamindu Mendis scored 58 and Lahiru Udara contributed 42.
Mohammad Abbas and Saqib Khan claimed two wickets each for Pakistan.
<text weight="semibold">Sri Lanka's position at stumps on day three</text>
Sri Lanka: 404/4
Pakistan: 434/9 declared
Sri Lanka trail by 30 runs
Dhananjaya de Silva: 167 not out
Kusal Mendis: 117 not out
Match situation: Sri Lanka in a strong position heading into day four
⏳ Day 4 Preview: Can Pakistan Break the Dhananjaya-Kusal Partnership?
The fourth day will be extremely important in determining the direction of the Rawalpindi Test.
Sri Lanka resume at 404/4, just 30 runs behind Pakistan's first-innings total. With Dhananjaya and Kusal both unbeaten, the visitors are in a strong position to take the lead.
Pakistan's immediate priority must be to dismiss the two centurions as early as possible. If the partnership continues, Sri Lanka could build a significant advantage and leave Pakistan facing a difficult second innings.
The home side still have opportunities. Sri Lanka have six wickets remaining, and Pakistan will want to prevent the lower order from adding valuable runs after the main batters depart.
For Sri Lanka, the first objective should be to move beyond 434 without losing wickets unnecessarily. Once they have secured a lead, they can focus on building a total that gives their bowlers enough time to attack Pakistan.
Dhananjaya will be particularly important. He has already scored 167 and has the opportunity to turn his innings into a double century. Kusal, meanwhile, will look to convert his unbeaten 117 into another major Test score.
The opening session could prove decisive. Pakistan need early wickets, while Sri Lanka will want to continue the calm, disciplined batting that transformed the third day.
🔍 Cricketory Insights and Analysis: Why Sri Lanka Have Taken Control of the Rawalpindi Test
The third day was not simply about two centuries. It was about how Sri Lanka recovered from a dangerous position and changed the pressure of the match.
1. Sri Lanka's Recovery Shows the Importance of Middle-Order Stability
The early collapse to 12/2 gave Pakistan a genuine opportunity to dominate. However, Sri Lanka did not allow those wickets to determine the entire innings.
Kamindu's 58 helped stabilise the batting, while Dhananjaya and Kusal provided the major partnership.
This is an important lesson in Test cricket. A strong batting team needs more than an effective opening pair. Its middle order must be capable of rebuilding when early wickets fall.
Sri Lanka demonstrated that quality through the third day's play.
2. Pakistan Need to Turn Pressure Into Wickets
Pakistan's early bowling was effective, but the team struggled to maintain that intensity after the first few breakthroughs.
The problem was not a lack of overs. Mohammad Abbas bowled 29 overs, Saqib Khan delivered 26, and Razaullah and Arafat Minhas also bowled long spells.
The challenge was finding a way to break the partnership once Dhananjaya and Kusal became established.
Long partnerships can make a bowling attack look less threatening because batters begin reading the conditions, understanding the bowlers' plans and choosing their scoring opportunities more carefully.
Pakistan must find a different approach on day four rather than simply repeating the same plans.
3. Dhananjaya's Innings Has Changed the Match Situation
Dhananjaya's 167 not out is the most significant individual contribution of the match so far.
He came in during a difficult period and has remained at the crease through a substantial part of the innings. His ability to score without exposing himself to unnecessary risks has allowed Sri Lanka to move close to Pakistan's total.
If he reaches a double century, his innings could become an even more decisive moment in the series.
4. Kusal Mendis Has Led From the Front
A captain's contribution becomes particularly important when a team is under pressure away from home.
Kusal did not attempt to force the game after arriving at the crease. Instead, he supported Dhananjaya, built a partnership and eventually reached his 11th Test century.
His 117 not out has placed Sri Lanka in a position where they can realistically aim for a first-innings lead.
5. The First Session on Day Four Could Decide the Balance
Pakistan cannot afford to allow Sri Lanka to bat freely for another extended period.
If the visitors move 100 or more runs ahead, the home side may have to spend a significant part of the remaining match trying to recover.
On the other hand, two or three early wickets could bring Pakistan back into the contest.
The first session is therefore likely to shape the tactical direction of the match. Pakistan need breakthroughs, while Sri Lanka need to protect their established partnership.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the score in Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st Test after day three?
Sri Lanka reached 404/4 after 102 overs in their first innings. Pakistan had declared their first innings at 434/9, leaving Sri Lanka 30 runs behind.
2. How many runs did Dhananjaya de Silva score against Pakistan?
Dhananjaya de Silva scored an unbeaten 167 from 241 deliveries, including 20 boundaries.
3. How many runs did Kusal Mendis score on day three?
Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis remained unbeaten on 117 from 188 balls, hitting 10 fours and four sixes.
4. How many Test centuries has Kusal Mendis scored?
Kusal Mendis registered his 11th Test century during the first Test against Pakistan at Rawalpindi.
5. How many wickets did Mohammad Abbas take against Sri Lanka?
Mohammad Abbas claimed two wickets in Sri Lanka's first innings, dismissing Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Kamindu Mendis.
6. How many wickets did Saqib Khan take?
Pakistan debutant Saqib Khan took two wickets, dismissing Dinesh Chandimal and Lahiru Udara. These were important early breakthroughs in Sri Lanka's innings.
7. How many runs did Kamindu Mendis score?
Kamindu Mendis scored 58 from 131 deliveries, including eight boundaries, before Mohammad Abbas dismissed him.
8. Who scored the most runs for Pakistan in the first innings?
Saud Shakeel was Pakistan's leading scorer with 93 runs from 199 deliveries. He narrowly missed a century.
9. What is the first-innings deficit for Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka were 30 runs behind Pakistan at the end of the third day, with six wickets still remaining.
10. Why did play end early on day three?
Bad light forced an early end to the day's play with Sri Lanka at 404/4 after 102 overs.
11. Who is in a stronger position in the Rawalpindi Test?
Sri Lanka have taken a strong position after reaching 404/4 and building an unbeaten partnership worth more than 200 runs. However, Pakistan still have an opportunity to recover by taking early wickets on day four.
12. When will the fourth day of Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st Test begin?
The fourth day's play is scheduled to begin at 9:30 AM local time, according to the supplied match information.
📝 Final Thoughts: Dhananjaya and Kusal Put Sri Lanka in the Driving Seat
Sri Lanka have produced an outstanding batting recovery in the first Test against Pakistan, turning an early collapse into a commanding position through two remarkable centuries.
Dhananjaya de Silva's unbeaten 167 and Kusal Mendis's 117 not out have transformed the match. Their partnership has taken Sri Lanka to 404/4, leaving the visitors just 30 runs behind Pakistan's first-innings total.
Kamindu Mendis also deserves recognition for his important 58, which helped prevent Pakistan from taking complete control after the early wickets.
Pakistan had a promising start through Mohammad Abbas and debutant Saqib Khan, but their bowlers were unable to break the partnership between Dhananjaya and Kusal.
The fourth day now presents a major challenge for the home side. Pakistan need early wickets to regain control, while Sri Lanka will look to secure a lead and build a position from which they can push for victory.
For Cricketory readers, the biggest storyline is clear: Sri Lanka have answered Pakistan's 434 with a powerful batting display, and the Dhananjaya-Kusal partnership has made the Rawalpindi Test increasingly difficult for the hosts. The next day's opening session could prove decisive.