RAWALPINDI, Oct 17: National Bank tightened the noose around Allied Bank Wednesday in their Patron’s Trophy Grade-I match at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, thanks to the batting heroics of Sajid Ali and Qaiser Abbas.

Sajid cracked a century and Qaiser scored 90 as National Bank, overnight 340 for five, declared their innings at 514 for nine, a lead of 248.

Allied Bank were 115 for five in their second innings at the close — still 133 runs behind with Aamir Hanif and Aaley Haider at the crease and a full day’s play remaining.

When play began Wednesday, Sajid who was 46 overnight and Qaiser on an unbeaten 36, took the rival attack to the sword, and were involved in a 160-run sixth wicket partnership.

Sajid struck eight boundaries and a six in scoring 104 and faced 237 balls, falling eventually to Ata-ur-Rehman.

Young left-hander Qaiser was impressive too and hit 10 fours and a six in his knock which ended when off-spinner Arshad Khan had him caught and bowled.

Another batsman among the runs was wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal who was unlucky to miss his half century by just two runs becoming a victim of Usman Tariq.

The top wicket-taker for Allied Bank was Ata-ur-Rehman with 3-84 while Arshad Khan and Aqib Javed had two wickets each.

When Allied Bank started their second innings, they were powered somewhat by Usman Tariq who chipped in with 41 runs before falling to Shabbir Ahmed whose other victim was Ata whom he bowled for six. Mohammad Sami, Mushtaq Ahmed and Zahid Saeed shared the other three wickets.