Pakistan Sri Lanka Test Rain Threatens Day Four
Pakistan Sri Lanka Test rain is expected to disrupt the fourth day of the first Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday, November 12, with heavy showers forecast for the afternoon.
According to AccuWeather, cloudy conditions are expected in the morning, with temperatures around 21 degrees Celsius and a 25 per cent chance of rain. Winds will blow from the south-southeast at 7 kilometres per hour, allowing the possibility of an uninterrupted morning session.
The chances of rain will rise sharply to 92 per cent in the afternoon, ProPakistani reported, with heavy showers expected to last around two and a half hours. Rainfall could reach 14.6 millimetres, while southerly winds may reach 9 kilometres per hour, with gusts of up to 24 kilometres per hour.
Temperatures are expected to remain around 21 degrees, with cloud cover ranging from 88 to 98 per cent throughout the day. Visibility could also drop to 3 kilometres during the afternoon.
Pakistan Sri Lanka Test rain: a washout looks unlikely
Despite the poor forecast, a complete washout appears unlikely. Both teams could get a substantial amount of play in the morning before rain interrupts proceedings later in the day. That matters because the match is finely poised, and a full day’s play could still produce a result.
Sri Lanka fought back strongly on the third day, and the weather may now decide how much of that fightback turns into a result. Pakistan will want enough dry hours to bowl Sri Lanka out, while the visitors will hope the rain arrives early enough to save them.
Sri Lanka fight back on day three
The weather threat comes as Sri Lanka have fought back strongly after an early collapse. Dhananjaya de Silva and captain Kusal Mendis frustrated Pakistan’s bowling attack with an unbeaten 249-run stand, lifting Sri Lanka to 404 for four at stumps on the third day, still trailing Pakistan by 30 runs.
De Silva was unbeaten on 167, while Mendis was 117 not out. Mendis became the first Sri Lankan to score a century in his maiden Test as captain, after taking the reins from De Silva before this series.
Pakistan had declared their first innings at 434 for nine after 106.3 overs, with Saud Shakeel top-scoring with 93. Five batters, including three debutants, scored half-centuries to give the hosts a strong start. Mohammad Abbas has figures of two for 64, while debutant Saqib Khan is two for 105.
The centuries capped a day of records for the home side, after Sri Lanka had reached 114 for three at stumps on day two. Saqib Khan struck twice on that second evening to leave the visitors struggling, but the third day belonged to the Sri Lankan pair.
What the rain means for the result
A Test match needs time to produce a winner, and rain takes that time away. If the fourth day is cut short, Pakistan will have fewer overs to take six wickets, and Sri Lanka will need fewer runs to erase the deficit. A draw becomes more likely with every hour lost.
The series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, so every point counts. A draw would leave both sides short of the full points on offer, and the second Test, also in Rawalpindi from November 17 to 21, would then carry more weight.
The second Test was moved from Lahore to Rawalpindi because of smog, and tickets for that match start at Rs200 per day. The debutant trio who starred in the first Test will hope for a full match in Rawalpindi after the rain-hit days.
For now, the players and the ground staff will watch the sky. The covers are ready, the forecast is clear about the afternoon, and the morning session may be the best chance either side gets to change the match on Thursday.
Frequently asked questions
Will rain disrupt day four of the Pakistan-Sri Lanka Test?
Yes. Heavy showers are forecast for the afternoon of Thursday, November 12, in Rawalpindi, with a 92 per cent chance of rain and up to 14.6 millimetres expected.
Can play happen in the morning?
Yes. The morning is expected to be cloudy with a 25 per cent chance of rain, so a substantial morning session is possible before the showers arrive.
What is the score in the first Test?
Sri Lanka reached 404 for four at stumps on day three, trailing Pakistan by 30 runs. Pakistan declared their first innings at 434 for nine.
Who scored centuries for Sri Lanka?
Dhananjaya de Silva was unbeaten on 167 and captain Kusal Mendis was 117 not out. Mendis became the first Sri Lankan to score a century in his maiden Test as captain.
When is the second Test?
The second Test will also be played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, from November 17 to 21, after it was moved from Lahore because of smog.
