WAPDA 244 for 5 (Salman Butt 125) lead HBL 236 (Aziz 90, Rehman 53, Asif 4-21, Irfan 3-34) by eight runs
Scorecard
File photo: Salman Butt struck 18 fours in his 234-ball knock © AFP
Salman Butt’s 20th first-class century, his third of the season, helped drive Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) into the lead, but Habib Bank Limited (HBL) hit back with three late strikes including that of Butt for 125. WAPDA ended day two on 244 for 5, ahead by just eight runs, at the National Stadium in Karachi. Kamran Akmal (23 not out) and Khalid Usman (7 not out) were at the crease.
Resuming on 23 without loss, Butt and Adnan Raees put together 162 for the first wicket to lay a solid platform, before left-arm seamer Usman Khan struck in the 58th over. Raees pushed at a delivery away from the body and was pouched by Imran Farhat at first slip. His 170-ball vigil fetched him 50.
HBL struck almost immediately after when they had Mohammad Saad run-out for 5. He was more than halfway down the pitch when he was sent back as Amad Butt’s throw to the keeper’s end resulted in his downfall. Butt and Aamer Sajjad then held fort for 14.2 overs in which they added 27 before Sajjad’s was out caught behind.
Sixteen deliveries later, Butt was involved in a second run-out; this time he was the victim as an attempt to pinch a run to cover resulted in him being caught short of the crease at the non-striker’s end. WAPDA had slipped from 162 without loss to 205 for 4. Then, shortly before stumps, HBL had another when Zahir Mansoor was bowled by Amad Butt.
Mohammad Asif was the star on the opening day; his four-wicket haul justifying Butt’s decision to bowl first as HBL were bundled out for 236. Asif was complemented by Mohammad Irfan, who took three wickets.
There will be no play on Monday, which has been announced as rest day because or Rabi-ul-Awal. Play will resume on Tuesday.
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Source: ESPN Crickinfo