HBL storm back with Imam-ul-Haq, Zaman hundreds

HBL 264 for 0 (Zaman 157*, Imam 105*) and 236 lead WAPDA 278 (Butt 125, Rehman 3-66) by 222 runs
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details

Centuries from openers Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman underlined Habib Bank Limited's dominance over Water and Power Development Authority on day three of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final at the National Stadium in Karachi. HBL, who had conceded a 42-run lead, were 264 without loss at stumps.

WAPDA, who resumed on 244 for 5 after a rest day for Rabi-ul-Awal, lost their last five wickets for just nine runs to be bowled out for 278. Abdur Rehman, the left-arm spinner, took three of those to complete a WAPDA batting collapse - they were at 162 for no loss at one stage. Salman Butt's 125 - his third first-class century of the season - was the top score for WAPDA.

They were dealt another blow when Kamran Akmal, their wicketkeeper, didn't take the field in the second innings because of an injury, and had to be replaced by Zahid Mansoor.

Imam, nephew of Inzamam-ul-Haq, and Zaman then powered ahead to record the highest opening stand for HBL when they surpassed a 16-year record of 252, held by Asadullah Butt and Mujahid Jamshed against Sargodha in 1999-2000.

Along the way, both batsmen enjoyed slices of luck. Imam was reprieved on 37 when left-arm spinner Zulfiqar Babar put down a return catch. Zaman was handed a lifeline on 140 when Mansoor, filling in for Kamran Akmal, missed a stumping chance off Babar. Imam hit 10 fours, while Zaman struck 19.

Mohammad Asif, who picked up four wickets in the first innings, bowled only seven of the 73 overs on Tuesday, while Mohammad Irfan bowled 10 overs.