RAWALPINDI – Rain is likely to interrupt the fourth day’s play in the first Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday, with the weather forecast indicating a relatively clear morning followed by a high chance of heavy showers in the afternoon.
According to AccuWeather, cloudy skies are likely to prevail during the morning, with temperatures expected to remain around 21°C. Winds will blow from the south-south-east at approximately 7 kilometres per hour, while the chance of rain stands at 25 per cent.
Conditions are forecast to worsen considerably later in the day, as the probability of precipitation is expected to climb to 92 per cent. Heavy showers are predicted in the afternoon, accompanied by southerly winds of around 9 kilometres per hour and gusts reaching 24 kilometres per hour.
The forecast estimates rainfall at up to 14.6 millimetres, with showers potentially continuing for around two-and-a-half hours. Cloud cover is expected to range between 88 and 98 per cent, while visibility could drop to approximately three kilometres during the afternoon.
The weather outlook indicates that the morning session may proceed with fewer interruptions, but the prospect of substantial afternoon rain poses a serious threat to the day’s play. A complete washout, however, is not certain.
On the field, Sri Lanka have strengthened their position after recovering from an early batting setback on the third day. Experienced batter Dhananjaya de Silva remained unbeaten on 104, while captain Kusal Mendis was not out on 38 as the pair resisted Pakistan’s bowling attack.
Their partnership followed the dismissals of Kamindu Mendis and two other Sri Lankan batters, helping the visitors regain control after an unsettled start to their innings.
Pakistan had earlier declared their first innings at 434 for nine after batting for 106.3 overs. Five players, including three debutants, scored half-centuries, giving the hosts a substantial total to put pressure on Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka began the day’s proceedings with 114 runs on the board for the loss of three wickets after facing 27.1 overs on the second day. Pakistan’s pace attack made early inroads, with Saqib Khan claiming two wickets and Mohammad Abbas taking one.
On the third day of the first test match against #Pakistan in #Rawalpindi today, #SriLanka will resume their first inning at the overnight score of 114 runs for loss of 3 wickets
@TheRealPCBMedia @OfficialSLC @ICC #RadioPakistan #News
https://t.co/Mp1rtz1PSZ https://t.co/KysX1nz9B9— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) November 11, 2026
The visitors still need another 320 runs to erase Pakistan’s first-innings lead and bring the scores level. Play on the second day was called off early due to bad light, leaving Sri Lanka with the task of building a substantial partnership to challenge Pakistan’s position in the match.
Pakistan had declared their first innings at 434-9 on the second day, putting themselves in a strong position. Middle-order batter Saud Shakeel was the leading scorer for the hosts, narrowly missing out on a century with an impressive 93-run knock.
Speaking at the post-day press conference, Shakeel admitted that falling short of a hundred was disappointing, despite being satisfied with his contribution to the team’s total.
Pakistan declare first innings at 434-9 against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi Test
