Tons from Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis have put Sri Lanka in strong position on Day 3 of the first Test against Pakistan.

De Silva and Mendis's fourth-wicket partnership has reached 234 runs by the end of the 95th over.

Sri Lanka produced a determined batting response against Pakistan on Day 3 of the first Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, with Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis smashing terrific centuries to keep the visitors in the contest.

After Pakistan declared their first innings at 434/9, Sri Lanka faced an uphill task following early setbacks. However, De Silva and Mendis showed patience and composure to frustrate the Pakistani bowling attack and reduce the deficit.

Dhananjaya de Silva leads Sri Lanka’s recovery 

De Silva played the anchor’s role brilliantly, combining sound defensive technique with well-timed attacking strokes. The Sri Lankan batter reached his century under pressure, providing his team with the stability it desperately needed after losing wickets in the first innings.

Dhananjaya de Silva brings up his 14th Test hundred 💯#PAKvSL #DhananjayaDeSilva pic.twitter.com/zuhynn8WDn

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) November 11, 2026

His innings was particularly important because Pakistan had gained the upper hand with their disciplined bowling on Day 2. Mohammad Abbas and debutant Saqib Khan had struck early, leaving Sri Lanka struggling at 12/2 before the visitors began rebuilding.

De Silva’s ability to handle the pressure and keep the scoreboard moving helped shift the momentum. He continued to find scoring opportunities without taking unnecessary risks, ensuring Pakistan could not build a succession of breakthroughs.

By the end of the 95th over, De Silva was unbeaten on 152 off 220 deliveries, having struck 17 boundaries. His innings put Sri Lanka in a considerably stronger position than they were by the end of the previous day’s play.

Kusal Mendis smashes his maiden Test century as captain

Mendis also played a significant role in Sri Lanka’s recovery. The captain showed composure against Pakistan’s bowling attack, rotating the strike effectively and punishing loose deliveries when opportunities arose.

Mendis reached to his maiden Test century as captain in 152, striking 9 fours and three sixes.

11th Test Ton. First as Captain. 🫡

A dream start to his captaincy! 💯 Kusal Mendis scores a brilliant Test ton in his very first game as skipper! 👏#PAKvSL pic.twitter.com/1vvtfkPjTD

— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) November 11, 2026

De Silva and Mendis’s partnership was especially valuable because Pakistan needed regular wickets to maintain control of the match. Instead, the pair continued to build their stand, forcing the hosts to work hard for every breakthrough.

Their fourth-wicket partnership has reached 234 runs by the end of the 95th over, underlining the patience and concentration required to rebuild a Test innings.