Manzoor keeps Karachi afloat

Karachi Urban 339 for 7 (Manzoor 167*, Nasir 92, Salvi 2-67) trail Mumbai 623 for 6 dec by 284 runs
Scorecard

A battling unbeaten century by opener Khurram Manzoor kept Karachi Urban afloat against Mumbai as the hosts ended the third day of their Nissar Trophy tie still 284 behind the visitors' mammoth first innings total of 623. Manzoor's sixth-wicket partnership of 175 with Saeed Bin Nasir rescued the home team from a possible follow-on position after a shaky start.

Resuming from an overnight total of 30 for 1, Karachi lost their second wicket in the fifth over of the day as Amin-ur-Rehman was trapped in front by Aavishkar Salvi for only 9. Asif Zakir did not last too long either as he edged an outswinger from Abhishek Nayar to be dismissed for 11. Hasan Raza, Karachi's captain, and Asim Kamal, who has played 12 Tests for Pakistan, failed to provide any support to Manzoor and gave away their wickets cheaply as well. Raza was run out for 12 while Kamal could only manage 25.

Nasir then joined Manzoor with half of Karachi's side already back in the pavilion for only 163 runs. Their 175-run stand, off only 51 overs, brought some stability to the innings. Nasir, the more aggressive of the two, smashed 12 boundaries and looked all set for three figures before being run out on 92 three overs before stumps.

Anwar Ali, more renowned for his bowling skills than batting, failed to protect his wicket and was the last man out on the third day. Manzoor, who faced 340 deliveries for his 167, will resume tomorrow with the tail, hoping to take as much strike as possible and ensure the match heads towards a draw.

Nayar and Salvi picked up two wickets each while debutants Vikrant Yeligati and Iqbal Abdulla grabbed one each.