Pakistan finished the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka at 281/5 after an impressive batting display from debutants Tayyab Arif and Mohammad Taha at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday. Arif smashed 57 off 51 balls, while Taha scored a patient 51 off 105 deliveries. Captain Babar Azam contributed 50, and Saud Shakeel remained unbeaten on 57 as Pakistan recovered from losing three wickets after a flying start of 137/2. Sri Lanka's bowlers fought back in the final sessions, with Asitha Fernando claiming two wickets, before bad light brought an early end to the day's play after 67.2 overs.