November 5, 2001	Monday	haba’an 18, 1422

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KARACHI, Nov 4: Former Test batsman Ijaz Ahmed Junior scored 116 as Allied Bank batted themselves into a winning position against PWD on the third day of the Patron’s Trophy Grade-I clash at UBL Sports Complex here Sunday.

Ijaz Jr’s fourth century of the season helped Allied Bank reach a mammoth 474 for nine — a first innings lead of 251 — before skipper Arshad Khan declared.

PWD, inspired by half centuries from Bilal Asad and Afsar Nawaz, were cruising along well when they reached 149 for one 35 minutes before stumps. But then three wickets fell for the addition of 12 runs to tilt the match firmly in Allied Bank’s favour. PWD now require another 87 to make Allied Bank bat again.

Bilal, who made 68 off 93 balls with seven fours, and Afsar (64 off 144 balls, eight fours) put on 118 for the second wicket after ex-Test pacer Ata-ur-Rehman had Imran Khan caught at the wicket for 14.

Humayun Farhat, who had earlier blasted 58 off 47 balls with nine spanking boundaries, finished the day with three catches as PWD reach 164 for four.

Humayun dominated the early part of the day in his typical aggressive style and completely upstaged Ijaz Jr during the sixth wicket partnership of 82 in an hour.

Ijaz Jr’s 23rd hundred in first-class cricket was laced with eight fours. The right-hander, who was 61 overnight, batted for 343 minutes and faced 245 balls before he was seventh out at 446.

Aamir Hanif added five to his Saturday’s score of 46. His 51 off 99 balls contained five fours and the fifth wicket stand with Ijaz realized 99 runs in 143 minutes.

Later, Aaley Haider chipped in with 37 off 41 balls. He struck five fours.