KARACHI, Jan 15: A punishing double century by Hasan Raza left Rest of Balochistan with a mountain to climb in the four-day Quaid-i-Azam Trophy match at the National Stadium Tuesday.

Hasan slammed a career-best 256 to allow Moin Khan to declare Karachi Whites’ first innings at tea at the score of 557 for six. Rest of Balochistan survived a first-ball dismissal of Sabir Husain and 28 overs to finish the second day’s play at 55 for two.

Hasan, who resumed this morning at 157 in Karachi Whites’ 316 for three, clobbered 32 boundaries and a six in his marathon 516 minutes of batting. He received 389 balls.

Looking well set for a triple century, Hasan was adjudged leg before off Naseer Khan while playing across the line.

It was Hasan’s third career double century and second of the season. His previous best was 204 for Habib Bank against ADBP.

Hasan, who reached his double century off 306 balls with 110 runs coming in boundaries, shared in a 218-run sixth wicket stand in 181 minutes with Imran Javed who returned unbeaten on a strokeful 125.

Imran’s sparkling innings contained 18 boundaries and two sixes off 149 balls he faced during his three-hour occupancy of the wicket.

Karachi’s dominance against a toothless Rest of Balochistan bowling attack can be judged from the fact that 286 runs out of 557 have come in boundaries.

Rest of Balochistan, who have lost one and drawn another, need to battle out 180 overs over the next two days to deny Karachi Whites their third successive victory.

Scoreboard

KARACHI WHITES (1st Innings, overnight 316-3):