Increasing smog levels force relocation of second Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka

The second Test of the ongoing two-match series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka has been shifted from Lahore to Rawalpindi due to rising smog levels in the city. The match, originally scheduled to be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, was relocated by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as air pollution continues to worsen in the region.

The two teams are currently involved in an intriguing contest in the first Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. After being asked to bat first, Pakistan posted 434/9 declared, with captain Babar Azam calling time on the innings. Five Pakistan batters registered half-centuries, but none was able to convert their start into a century.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Tayyab Arif, Mohammad Taha, Ghazi Ghori and Saqib Khan were handed their Test debuts on the opening day of the match.

Pakistan began well, with openers Azan Awais and Arif stitching together an 86-run partnership. Awais fell for 30, but Arif carried on and brought up his maiden Test fifty, scoring 57 off 51 balls with the help of nine fours and a six.

Taha also registered his maiden Test fifty, making 51 off 105 deliveries, and shared a 69-run stand for the third wicket with skipper Babar. Babar looked in fine touch during his 50 off 58 balls before being undone by Dilshan Madushanka, whose delivery straightened after pitching and nicked him off.

Saud Shakeel came agonisingly close to yet another Test hundred but fell seven runs short. He struck nine fours during his innings. All-rounder Arafat Minhas was the fifth Pakistan batter to score a half-century, making 52 off 72 deliveries, an innings studded with nine fours and a six.

Asitha Fernando and Madushanka claimed three wickets apiece for Sri Lanka. In reply, Sri Lanka reached 114/3 at stumps on Day 2, with Kamindu Mendis unbeaten on 40 and Dhananjaya de Silva unbeaten on 22.