KARACHI, May 19: Upcoming off-spinner Faisal Tahir returned splendid analysis of nine for 53 to help Zone-II bundled out Zone-IV for a paltry first-innings total of 143 on the first day of the latest round of matches in the PCB Under-19 Karachi Region matches here on Thursday.

Faisal never allowed Zone-IV batsmen to bat with freedom as he bowled 26 overs at the TMC Ground. Zone-II had already taken the lead by finishing at 148-4 at stumps with openers Ahmer bin Nasir (61 with 10 boundaries) and Mustafa Ali (53) sharing a century stand. Zone-III, who had lost both their previous games, had a good day against Zone-I despite being bowled out for 208 in their first innings at the Asghar Ali Shah Ground. Spinners Arsalan Hussain (5-82) and Farhan Anwar (4-59) shared the bowling honours.

Zone-I then found themselves in trouble as they closed at 132-7. Zone-VII’s slow left-armer Bilal Javed was the star performer with seven for 78 as Zone-V were dismissed for 214 in 62.5 overs at the Landhi Gymkhana Ground. Fahad Akbar contributed 73 with the aid of seven fours and a brace of sixes.

But Zone-VII lost their way in reply. By draw of stumps they had made 122-5.

Summarised scores: ZONE-III 208 in 61.4 overs (Tanvir Ali 40; Arsalan Hussain 5-82, Farhan Anwar 4-59); ZONE-I 132-7 in 28 overs (Saifullah Bangash 40; Mohammad Imran 3-35).

ZONE-V 214 in 62.5 overs (Fahad Akbar 73, Mohammad Liaquat Khan 48; Bilal Javed 7-78); ZONE-VII 122-5 in 34 overs (Mohammad Salman 3-47).

ZONE-IV 143 in 62 overs (Faisal Tahir 9-53); ZONE-II 148-4 in 38 overs (Ahmer bin Nasir 61, Mustafa Ali 53).