LAHORE, Feb 8: Leaders Karachi Urban face an uphill struggle after a fine century by Ayub Dogar helped defending champions Sialkot take a decisive lead of 166 runs on first innings in the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy Gold League tie at the Jinnah Stadium in Sialkot on Thursday.
The visitors were in considerable trouble at 76 for three in the second innings and still require 90 to make Sialkot bat again in this crucial fixture which well decide who will play in the final.
Resuming at 53 for no loss, Sialkot lost their way when six wickets fell for the addition of 77 runs. But Ayub and wicket-keeper/batsman Hafiz Khalid then took the game away from Karachi Urban by putting on 132 for the seventh-wicket.
Ayub hit 121 off 158 balls with 22 boundaries while Khalid blasted 10 fours and three sixes in making a rapid 77 off only 80 balls.
Karachi Urban paceman Rajesh Ramesh claimed six for 145 while Asif Zakir took the remaining four wickets for 40 runs with his occasional off-spin.