Rain threatens to disrupt the fourth day of the first Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday, with heavy showers forecast for the afternoon session.
According to AccuWeather, the morning is expected to remain cloudy with temperatures around 21°C and a 25 per cent chance of rain, but conditions are set to worsen after lunch with the probability of precipitation rising to 92 per cent.
Rainfall could reach 14.6 millimetres, with showers expected to last around two-and-a-half hours, while cloud cover is forecast to stay between 88 and 98 per cent and visibility may drop to three kilometres in the afternoon.
Sri Lanka ended the third day on 404 for four, trailing Pakistan by just 30 runs after the hosts declared their first innings at 434 for nine following 106.3 overs.
Dhananjaya de Silva remained unbeaten on 167 and captain Kusal Mendis was 117 not out, the pair having added an unbroken 249 runs for the fifth wicket to dominate the final two sessions on Wednesday.
De Silva brought up his 14th Test century and Kusal his 11th as Sri Lanka recovered from an early collapse to seize the initiative.
Pakistan's bowlers searched in vain for a breakthrough throughout the afternoon, with the visitors' batsmen negotiating the attack comfortably before bad light forced an early close.
The morning session on Thursday may offer Pakistan their best chance to make inroads before the expected deterioration in weather.
Ground staff will monitor conditions closely, with the forecast indicating that a reasonable amount of playing time could be possible before the afternoon showers arrive.
Sri Lanka will aim to extend their partnership and build a significant lead if play proceeds, while Pakistan need early wickets to stay in the contest.
Brief scores: Pakistan 434-9 declared (106.3 overs); Sri Lanka 404-4 (Dhananjaya de Silva 167*, Kusal Mendis 117*).





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