Saqib Khan 7/130 on Test debut helps Pakistan restrict Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi

Pakistan pacer Saqib Khan took a seven-wicket haul on his Test debut against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi on November 12, 2026, in the second Test. He finished with figures of 7/130 from 34 overs.

Saqib was instrumental in Pakistan limiting Sri Lanka to 446 in their first innings, leaving the hosts with a 12-run deficit. Sri Lanka had reached 404/4 on Day 3 before Pakistan's attack produced a late collapse.

Born on September 9, 1995, in Mingora, Swat, Saqib started in tape-ball cricket and later switched to hard-ball cricket in Karachi. He joined Future Stars Cricket Academy under coach Liaquat and spent seven to eight years working toward a professional opportunity, while competing in Karachi's circuit with pacers such as Sohail Khan, Tabish Khan and Mir Hamza.

Saqib made his first-class debut in the 2024-25 season at the age of 29 and took 71 wickets in his first 16 matches. He has played for Karachi Blues, Karachi Whites, Khan Research Laboratories and State Bank of Pakistan, and earned an opportunity with Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League.

In the 2025-26 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy he claimed 47 wickets in nine matches at an average of 20.60 and played a key role in Karachi Blues' title-winning campaign. He also took 10 wickets in the 2026 President's Trophy prior to his Test selection.

Sri Lanka lost their final six wickets for 42 runs after reaching 404/4 on Day 3, a collapse led by Saqib that curtailed what had appeared to be a much larger total. His contribution narrowed the visitors' lead to just 12 runs at the conclusion of their first innings.

Saqib became only the second Pakistan fast bowler to take seven wickets in an innings on Test debut, after Mohammad Zahid's 7/66 against New Zealand in Rawalpindi in 1996, and the fourth Pakistan bowler overall to achieve a seven-wicket haul on Test debut alongside Mohammad Nazir (7/99 v New Zealand, 1969) and Abrar Ahmed (7/114 v England, 2022); Zahid's 7/66 remains the best bowling figures by a Pakistan bowler on Test debut.

His performances in domestic cricket had earned him a maiden Pakistan Test call-up prior to the Rawalpindi match.