Even chance for Hyderabad

Hyderabad have given themselves an even chance of achieving their first win after they set Karachi Blues a target of 354 in the Quaid Trophy Grade- I match at KCCA Stadium Thursday.

The Blues went to stumps on day three at 18 for no wicket. They now require 336 on the final day tomorrow.

Earlier, Imran Khan slammed 120 off 245 balls to help Hyderabad, who by 59 runs on the first innings, score 294 in their second innings.

Imran, who hit 14 boundaries in a stay of 313 minutes, shared an invaluable fourth-wicket partnership of 186 with opener Ijaz Shah.

Ijaz compiled a sedate 85 off 225 balls in 288 minutes with six hits to the fence. However, once the stand was broken, the rot set in as the visitors lost seven wickets for 62 runs.

Leg-spinner Riaz Shah and debutant slow left-armer Azam Hussain shared the bowling honours by taking four for 104 and three for 68 respectively.