KARACHI, Feb 2: Rawalpindi were in dire straits after a fine unbeaten century by skipper Hasan Raza helped Karachi Urban declare their first innings at 506 for five on the second day of the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy Gold League clash at the National Stadium here on Friday.

The visitors reached 122 for three at close of play with left-handed opening batsman Babar Naeem going great guns with 73 and night-watchman Najaf Shah batting on five.

Off-spinner Tahir Khan continued his splendid form this season by capturing the wickets of Pervez Aziz, who made 33 while putting on 87 for the first wicket with Babar, and Awais Zia for two.

Slow left-armer Azam Hussain dismissed former Test batsman Naveed Qureshi for a five-ball duck to make life difficult for Rawalpindi who still need a further 235 just to avoid the follow on.

But the day’s highlight was Hasan Raza’s 27th first-class hundred in 138 matches after Karachi Urban resumed at their overnight score of 284 for two.

Hasan, who made history by becoming Test cricket’s youngest ever debutant at 14 years and 227 days when he played against Zimbabwe 11 seasons ago, is now sadly sidelined after playing the last of his seven Tests at Lahore when England toured this country in 2005-06.

However, Hasan looked in commanding form on Friday as he made 108 off 140 balls in 214 minutes. The right-hander, who turns 25 next month, struck nine fours and a brace of sixes.

Left-handed Mohtashim Ali partnered Hasan in a fifth-wicket stand worth 149 at run-a-minute. His 67 off 149 deliveries was laced with eight boundaries.

Earlier, Saeed bin Nasir and Asif Zakir fell shortly after play began. Saeed added only seven more to his 100 when he was caught by substitute Yasim Murtaza off left-arm seamer Najaf Shah. Saeed’s 107 off 209 balls included 15 fours and one six.

Asif, meanwhile, managed to add only three more runs before was out for 79 – a 191-ball knock that contained nine boundaries.

Scoreboard