{
  "id": 19573583,
  "title": "De Silva and Mendis turn the tide",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/12/de-silva-and-mendis-turn-the-tide",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-12T00:00:38.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Island Sri Lanka",
    "slug": "the-island-sri-lanka",
    "url": "http://island.lk/de-silva-and-mendis-turn-the-tide/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis turned the tide in Sri Lanka's favor during the third day of their opening Test match against Pakistan in Rawalpindi. The duo formed an unbeaten fifth-wicket partnership of 249 runs, turning a precarious position into a promising one. At stumps, Sri Lanka had scored 404 for four, just 30 runs short of Pakistan's declared 434, with six wickets in hand. De Silva ended the day unbeaten on 167, while Mendis scored 117. This performance marked a significant return to form for de Silva, who had faced scrutiny following his recent captaincy changes. Mendis, now leading the team, contributed 117 runs from 152 deliveries, becoming the first Test captain for Sri Lanka. The middle order's strong performance provided the necessary runs and reassurance for the team, while the partnership with de Silva helped keep Pakistan at bay. With the match still undecided, Sri Lanka now have a chance to take control and build a substantial lead.",
  "summary": "Dhananjaya de Silva answered his critics with the bat and Kusal Mendis led from the front as Sri Lanka hauled themselves off the ropes to leave Pakistan toiling on the third day of the opening Test in Rawalpindi. The former captain and his successor struck unbeaten centuries in an unbroken fifth wicket stand of 249, […]",
  "key_points": [
    "De Silva and Mendis form 249-run partnership",
    "Sri Lanka scores 404 for four at stumps",
    "Mendis leads Sri Lanka as captain"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}