Karachi 'Whites' earn narrow lead

Karachi Whites secured a narrow 16-run first innings lead against Gujranwala as the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy match at the National Stadium headed for an exciting finish.

Karachi Whites, resuming at the overnight score of 241 for seven, were dismissed for 263 in the first 45 minutes of play Monday. The home team then fought its way back in the match by dismissing the visitors for 247 after they had reached 171 for four.

When stumps were drawn for the day, Karachi Whites had stretched their lead to 59 when they finished the day at 43 for one. Ariz Kamal, who scored a debut century last week, was the batsman out after scoring one following his six in the first innings.

Arif Mahmood, the left-arm spinner, was the man behind bringing Karachi back in contention when he captured four wickets for 28 runs to break Gujranwala's back.

Owais Athar, playing his first game, picked up three wickets but went for 84 runs from his 14 overs. He was erratic, wayward and bowled too many loose deliveries. Tanvir Ahmed snapped up two for 69 to take his tally of wickets to 22.

For Gujranwala, former Pakistan junior batsman Majid Saeed top scored with a 77-ball 63 that included 11 hits to the fence.

Earlier in the day, Mohammad Masroor missed a well deserved century when he could add only five runs to his overnight score. He fell for 94 to Naveed Arif who finished as the most successful Gujranwala bowler with four for 67. Mubashir Nazir snapped up three for 79.