Naqvi's century boosts Islamabad

A chanceless knock of 108 by Test reject Ali Naqvi boosted Islamabad to 259 for seven on the first day of the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy match against Gujranwala at the KRL Stadium here on Sunday.

Islamabad also secured the services of another Test discard Ijaz Ahmed Sr as well forcing their coach Irfan Bhatti to lead the side in this crucial match.

Islamabad, who elected to bat after winning the toss, made a poor start when Hakim Butt was trapped leg-before-wicket by left-arm pacer Sarfraz Ahmed with no runs on the board.

However, guest player Ali Naqvi, who had previously played for Karachi, set about repairing the damage in three useful partnerships with Bilal Asad (21), Iftikhar Hussain (29) and Ijaz Ahmed (21).

Naqvi, who completed his half century before lunch off 88 balls with eight fours, reached his century off 166 balls in 209 minutes with 16 boundaries.

Ijaz Ahmed made a quiet return to active cricket when he scooped a catch to mid-off as he went for an ambitious drive against off-spinner Ataullah Khan. He batted for 67 minutes and hit four fours in his 30- ball innings.

Naqvi, who batted for 241 minutes and faced 191 balls, was dismissed to the very first ball after tea when he was bowled by medium-pacer Irfan Butt.