Babar Azam’s wait for a Test century continued during Pakistan’s match against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi. The former captain scored 34 runs on the fifth and final day of the weather-affected first Test.

Sri Lanka took four wickets during the morning session. Pakistan reached 151-5 at lunch, holding a lead of 139 runs. Five wickets remained as the hosts tried to avoid defeat. Saud Shakeel was unbeaten on 23 at the break. Ghazi Ghori was batting on seven when bad light interrupted play. A 20-minute delay slowed Sri Lanka’s attempt to secure a 1-0 series lead.

Babar Azam became another important wicket for the visitors. Fast bowler Milan Rathnayaka dismissed him through a leg-side fielding plan. A fielder at short square leg took a straightforward catch. The dismissal extended Babar’s wait for a Test century to 42 innings. He had scored 34 runs, including six boundaries. He also shared a 50-run partnership with Saud Shakeel for the fourth wicket.

Rathnayaka later dismissed Salman Agha for 13 using a similar approach. Pakistan slipped to 125-5, increasing pressure on the remaining batters. Sri Lanka had started the final morning strongly. Lahiru Kumara struck with the first ball, removing Azan Awais for 22. Pakistan had resumed the day at 57-1.

Asitha Fernando then dismissed Mohammad Taha for 24. His wicket left Pakistan struggling at 57-3. Fernando and Rathnayaka continued to trouble the home batting lineup. Sri Lanka had another opportunity to dismiss Babar earlier. However, Kamindu Mendis dropped a catch when Babar was batting on 22. The missed chance allowed the Pakistan batter to continue briefly.

Earlier, Pakistan had made a strong start in the first innings. The hosts declared at 434-9. Sri Lanka responded with 446 runs, taking a 12-run first-innings lead. Dhananjaya de Silva and captain Kusal Mendis led Sri Lanka’s recovery. They built a 249-run partnership, with both batters scoring centuries. Kamindu Mendis also contributed 58 runs.

Pakistan’s bowlers eventually fought back on the fourth morning. Sri Lanka added only 42 runs before losing their final six wickets. Pakistan then began their second innings but lost early wickets. Tayyab Arif departed for 11, while Azan Awais and Mohammad Taha helped steady the innings.

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Bad weather and poor light had also interrupted the previous day’s play. These delays made the final session particularly important for both teams. With Pakistan at 151-5 at lunch, the match remained finely balanced. Babar Azam’s dismissal added to Pakistan’s batting concerns as Sri Lanka continued pushing for victory.