Punjab take lead over Lahore 'Whites'

Despite gutsy knocks by Kamran Akmal and Rizwan Aslam, Lahore Whites conceded a 58- run lead on the first innings to Rest of Punjab on second day of the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy Grade-I match at Gaddafi Stadium Sunday.

By stumps, Punjab further increased their advantage to 123 by reaching 65 for one in the secondinnings.

Punjab owed their strong position to paceman Azhar Abbas, who claimed four for 60 as Lahore Whites managed 224. Former Test leg-spinner and Punjab skipper Mushtaq Ahmed picked up three for 66.

Opener Rizwan Aslam made 56 off 109 deliveries with the aid of 12 fours in a stay of 132 minutes.

Kamran Akmal, who made a century last week, continued his good form by stroking a blistering 81 off just 79 balls. The wicket-keeper/batsman batted for 124 minutes and struck 12 boundaries.

The third wicket partnership between Rizwan and Kamran was worth 120 runs. But once Rizwan was caught behind off Azhar the rest of the Whites batting line-up caved in without a fight. The last seven wickets added just 64 runs.