Waqas seven-for puts Sialkot on top

Sialkot were in control of their low-scoring game in Okara, skittling Multan for 147 and extending their lead to 238 by stumps. Fast bowler Waqas Ahmed ran through Multan, taking 7 for 55 in only his fourth first-class game. Multan had slumped to 46 for 7 at one stage but offspinner Mazhar Bashir's half-century took them well past 100. Medium-pacer Abdur Rauf replied in kind for Multan with his 43rd first-class five-wicket haul as Sialkot limped to 119 for 7, but captain Mansor Amjad's unbeaten 70 and opener Jawad Ahmed's 46 took them to a burgeoning lead by stumps.

Pakistan International Airlines were flying high against Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited in Islamabad, putting up a big score and then taking seven wickets for 99. Kamran Sajid and Anwar Ali took the score past 300 in the morning, Sajid reaching his century in the process. After both batsmen fell, Tahir Khan ensured PIA would go past 400 with an unbeaten 53 off 34 deliveries. PIA were helped by 61 extras that included 29 no-balls. SNGPL were rattled by fast bowler Anwar Ali whose 3 for 17 led a dominating performance by PIA's bowlers. At 99 for 7, SNGPL will need a miracle to avoid the follow-on.

Opener Shan Masood's maiden first-class century put Habib Bank in charge against Water and Power Development Authority in Islamabad. Despite losing his partner Imran Farhat early, Masood consolidated the innings in a 121-run partnership with former Pakistan batsman Saleem Elahi. Elahi was more aggressive, hitting 11 fours in his 69. Left-arm spinner Zulfiqar Babar struck twice in quick succession, trapping Elahi and Khaqan Arsal leg-before. But Masood played the anchor role again, putting on 92 with captain Hasan Raza to take Habib Bank comfortably past WAPDA, as they finished on 250 for 3.

Islamabad took a 46-run first-innings lead against Faisalabad but the home team came back strongly at the Iqbal Stadium, reaching 150 for 4 in their second innings. Offspinner Aqeel Ahmed had Islamabad tottering at 147 for 8 but Ameer Khan (67) and captain Rauf Akbar (46) took them past Faisalabad's 181. Aqeel dismissed both batsmen to finish with 6 for 90. Faisalabad had a disastrous start losing their openers with 19 on the board, but Asif Hussain and Hasan Mahmood made useful, if not substantial contributions, and captain Ijaz Ahmed's unbeaten 49 took the lead past 100.

Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited came back on a curtailed second day in Sialkot, dismissing National Bank of Paksitan for 370 before cantering to 112 for 1. Mohammad Khalil - the left-arm seamer who played for Pakistan in 2005 - dismissed Naumanullah early to finish with 5 for 112. Qaiser Abbas and Mohammad Talha added a few runs before NBP wrapped up the innings. Yasir Hameed and Inam-ul-Haq put on 91 in a busy opening stand before Hameed fell for 34. Haq was unbeaten on 60 with eight fours and ZTBL will fancy their chances of going past NBP's total.

Rawalpindi were on the verge of taking the first-innings lead against Karachi Blues at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Babbar Naeem, the captain, and Adnan Mufti had led a recovery from 82 for 4 as Rawalpindi finished on 243 for 6. Naeem hit 14 fours in his 77 before falling leg-before to Rumman Raees. Mufti was run out on 50 but Muzammil Nizam ensured no further damage, remaining unbeaten on a patient 26. Karachi had earlier added 53 for the tenth wicket before Rizwan Akbar removed Raees for 34 with the score on 248.