Test discard Moin back to his best

Sacked Pakistan captain Moin Khan Wednesday proved his fitness and undoubted class while stroking a typical aggressive half century - his second in succssive outings - for Karachi Whites that placed his team in winning position against Rest of Sindh.

Moin clobbered 12 boundaries and a six while hammering a 116- ball 78 that allowed Karachi Whites to declare their first innings at 435 for nine on the second day of the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy match at the National Stadium.

When stumps were drawn for the day, Rest of Sindh were tottering at 121 for five after having scored a dismal 131 in the first innings. Rest of Sindh still require 183 to avert the anomaly of an innings defeat.

He appeared well set for a century until dragged a delivery off his opposite number Hanif-ur-Rehman onto his stumps. In the opening match Moin hit an impressive 85.

Later in the day, Moin scooped up two catches to take his tally of victims to five in the game.

"The knees responded well. I am feeling no pain and it is after a long time that I played carefree cricket," Moin said, adding: "My job is to play and perform."

Moin was excellently supported by Imran Javed who showed a lot of promise and potential while scoring 67. The batsman displayed maturity, composure and played text book shots.

Imran's 88-ball knock was studded with 13 boundaries. He featured in two quick fire partnerships.

For the eighth wicket, he added 63 in 46 minutes with Mohammad Hasnain (31) and then for the ninth wicket, he put on 59 in 60 minutes with Tanvir Ahmad (25).

Arif Mahmood hit a 38-ball 28 with five boundaries and was involved in a 62-run stand for the sixth wicket with Moin who had resumed this morning at 15.

Hasnain continued his impressive performance in the match when he added three more wickets to his first innings six. He now has nine wickets for 104 runs besides a 34-ball 31 with the bat.