Ghazan, Hasan rescue Karachi Whites

A fine unbeaten century stand between opener Mohammad Ghazan and Hasan Raza rescued Karachi Whites from a perilous position on the second day of four-day Quaid-i-Azam Trophy National Grade-I Cricket Championship tie against Sheikhupura at the UBL Sports Complex here on Saturday.

The left-handed Ghazan, a 19-year-old A-Level student, notched up his maiden 50 in first-class cricket in only his second match as he and Hasan came together in a partnership that is already worth 118 in 173 minutes.

Ghazan overcame a hesitant start to guide Karachi Whites out of trouble by showing a lot of determination and application during his stay of 225 minutes. His 54 off 167 deliveries was spiced with seven boundaries.

Hasan, the Test right-hander, continued his magnificent form by reaching 64 at stumps with Karachi Whites on 135 for two in reply to Sheikhupura's 312 in the first innings. Hasan's 128-ball innings included 10 fours and one towering six off Jaffer Nazir.

Rana Naveed-ul-Hasan bowled an impressive opening spell of nine overs to claim the wickets of Shadab Kabir (3) and Zeeshan Pervez, brilliantly caught one-handed by wicket-keeper Mohammad Islam for 7.

Earlier, Sheikhupura added 62 runs to their overnight 250 for four. Opener Tahir Usman was cruelly denied a debut century by just two runs when he was run out for 98 after resuming at 83. His marathon 351-ball knock occupied the crease for 403 minutes and included five fours. Off-spinner Tahir Khan captured four for 93 as Sheikhupura lost their last five wickets for 34 runs in 52 balls.