Pakistan and Sri Lanka begin their Test series in Rawalpindi, and the first scorecard of the contest is the one cricket fans will be watching.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka have the red ball out in Rawalpindi, where the first Test of their series sets the tone for what comes next. Test cricket's long format rewards patience, nerve and smart planning, and both sides will want an early lead.
Opening Tests carry extra weight. The team that wins the first big sessions gets to dictate terms, whether that means piling up a big first-innings total or striking early with the new ball. Every partnership and every wicket can swing the match, which is why the scorecard is worth following closely.
The key battles are familiar ones. Pakistan's bowlers will try to break through Sri Lanka's batting order, while Sri Lanka's attack will try to unsettle Pakistan's top order on home soil. Spin and seam will both matter, and the side that adapts faster to conditions over the five days will have the edge.
This is a straight contest between two proud Test nations, and the first match could shape the whole series. Check the full scorecard for the latest figures, and keep it locked to Afroballers for more cricket coverage.
