Making a Test debut after years of hard work in domestic cricket is a special achievement for any player. However, Pakistan’s 31-year-old fast bowler Saqib Khan made his first appearance in the longest format truly memorable with a remarkable bowling performance against Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
In a contest where Pakistan desperately needed their bowlers to deliver, Saqib stepped up with an outstanding spell, claiming seven wickets for 130 runs in 34 overs. His impressive debut not only brought him into the spotlight but also helped Pakistan prevent Sri Lanka from building a commanding first-innings advantage.
After Pakistan posted 434/9 before declaring their first innings, courtesy of a valuable contribution from Saud Shakeel, the responsibility shifted to the bowling department. Sharing the new ball with experienced pacer Mohammad Abbas, Saqib immediately demonstrated that he was ready for the challenge of international cricket.
Saqib Khan makes an instant impact on his Test debut
Saqib did not take long to register his first international breakthrough. Just nine deliveries into his Test career, the right-arm pacer dismissed experienced batter Dinesh Chandimal.
Maintaining a disciplined line outside the off-stump, Saqib forced Chandimal into playing at a delivery that produced an edge towards the slip cordon. It was a dream beginning for the debutant, who subsequently added another important wicket to his tally.
He removed Lahiru Udara, who had contributed 42 runs, leaving Sri Lanka struggling at 65/3. Pakistan appeared to have gained control of the proceedings by the end of Day 2, with their new debutant playing a significant role in putting the visitors under pressure. However, Sri Lanka had other plans as their experienced batters produced a remarkable response.
Seven-wicket haul triggers dramatic Sri Lankan collapse
The visitors staged an impressive recovery through two outstanding centuries from Dhananjaya de Silva and captain Kusal Mendis. Their partnership and individual contributions completely changed the complexion of the contest.
Beginning Day 4 at 404/4, Sri Lanka were in a commanding position and looked set to establish a substantial first-innings lead. Pakistan needed something special to prevent the visitors from running away with the match. Saqib emerged as the game-changer once again.
Despite having already bowled lengthy spells, the debutant maintained his intensity and produced a sensational comeback for the hosts. His biggest breakthrough came when he dismissed centurion Kusal Mendis, opening the door for Pakistan to attack the remaining Sri Lankan batters.
Saqib then dismantled the lower order with a combination of reverse swing, accuracy and persistence. He accounted for Sonal Dinusha, Milan Rathnayake and Lahiru Kumara before completing his memorable seven-wicket haul by dismissing Asitha Fernando, who was caught behind.
Sri Lanka eventually folded for 446, managing a narrow 12-run first-innings lead despite being in a position to establish a much bigger advantage.
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Domestic performances finally pay off for Saqib
Saqib’s outstanding performance on debut is a reflection of the consistency he has demonstrated in Pakistan’s domestic circuit. The 31-year-old entered international cricket after an impressive run of performances, including finishing as the leading fast bowler in the 2025/26 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy with 47 wickets. He also showcased his abilities in the President’s Trophy Grade-I.
His journey highlights the importance of domestic cricket in identifying and preparing players for the highest level. With seven wickets in his maiden Test appearance, Saqib has given Pakistan another promising pace-bowling option. His ability to maintain discipline over extended spells and deliver breakthroughs at crucial moments could make him an important addition to the team’s bowling resources.
Meanwhile, his remarkable debut has also generated considerable excitement among cricket supporters, with fans taking to social media to celebrate his sensational performance.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Saqib Khan 🔥pic.twitter.com/LiCDqjjY8L https://t.co/94Tb886VyO
— Kashif (@KashifNdmCric) November 12, 2026
A Test match debut to remember for Saqib Khan in Rawalpindi 😍#SaqibKhan #PAKvSL pic.twitter.com/sBEL2VAxxB
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) November 12, 2026
🚨 SAQIB KHAN CREATES HISTORY! 🇵🇰
– Saqib Khan becomes only the second fast bowler from Pakistan, after Mohammad Zahid, to take a 7-wicket haul on Test debut.
– The youngster is making a statement on his debut. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/GEcTuWINmY
— Rayham. (@RayhamUnplugged) November 12, 2026
🚨 HISTORY FOR SAQIB KHAN. 🚨
– Saqib Khan becomes the only Pakistani fast bowler to take 7 wickets on Test debut in this century. 🇵🇰🔥
– I hope, PCB keeps him in Tests only and don’t waste him by rushing him in all formats like other youngsters. pic.twitter.com/CxGTSJOi6T
— Salman. (@TsMeSalman1_) November 12, 2026
SAQIB KHAN’S DEBUT IS A VICTORY OF YEARS OF STRUGGLE! 🔥
A 31-year-old who once started playing cricket with a tape ball in the streets has finally turned his dream into reality. After years of hard work and patience in domestic cricket, Saqib Khan made a sensational Test debut… pic.twitter.com/CjmWvM88Tf
— Nafees (@Nafees_018) November 12, 2026
A Test debut to remember for Saqib Khan in Rawalpindi 😍#WTC27 Live 📲: https://t.co/gCTbicB831 pic.twitter.com/2E4X9WtUn0
— ICC (@ICC) November 12, 2026
Tayyab Arif: – Fifty on Test debut!
M. Taha: – Fifty on Test debut!
Arafat Minhas: – Fifty on Test debut!
Saqib Khan: – 7 wicket haul on Test debut!FOUR DEBUTANTS, FOUR SPECIAL PERFORMANCES. pic.twitter.com/8h2pCegAJU
— Talha Digital. (@CallMeDigital1_) November 12, 2026
WHAT A COMEBACK BY PAKISTAN. 🇵🇰
– Sri Lanka bowled out for 446, lead by 12.
– 7 wickets for Saqib Khan. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/kPXnCAueYq
— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) November 12, 2026
Sri Lanka bowled out for 446 in their first innings, taking a 12-run lead over Pakistan.
🏏 Dhananjaya de Silva – 167
🏏 Kusal Mendis – 119
🏏 Kamindu Mendis – 58🇵🇰 Saqib Khan claims 7 wickets for 130 runs.
pic.twitter.com/AUKx4jvUhn— Sri Lanka Tweet 🇱🇰 (@SriLankaTweet) November 12, 2026
🚨 ANOTHER SPECIAL EDIT FOR DEBUTANT SAQIB KHAN!!! 🔥😍
– SAQIB KHAN TAKES 7 WICKETS ON DEBUTE AGAINST SRILANKA!!! 🔥
– LOOK AT THE SOUND SELECTION BY PCB EDITOR!!! 🥶 pic.twitter.com/yQmMeQQ6P8
— M Farhan (@MFarhan1200) November 12, 2026
Also READ: PAK vs SL: Fans react to Tayyab Arif’s sensational half-century on Test debut in Rawalpindi
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