KARACHI, Feb 14: A maiden first-class century by Arif Mahmood set up a victory chance for Karachi Whites over Faisalabad on the third day of the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy at the National Stadium Thursday.

Arif, who picked up five for 43 with his left-armers earlier in the match, belted an unbeaten 105 that helped Karachi declared the first innings at 473 in reply to Faisalabad’s 223.

When the stumps were drawn for the penultimate day’s play, Faisalabad, trailing by 250 runs on first innings, were 141 for three. They still require 109 runs to make the home team bat again.

Arif, who celebrates his 31st birthday this April, showed uncharacteristic patience during his 204-minute innings. Arif, usually an attacking batsman who likes to take on the bowlers, clobbered just 13 boundaries in his 140-ball knock.

Arif, playing his 28th first-class match, reached the magical figures when he straight drove off-spinner Aqeel Ahmad for his 13th boundary.

Arif featured in two productive partnerships.

For the seventh wicket with Imran Javed, Arif put on 86 runs. The partnership ended when Imran fell victim to paceman Moazzam Ali who finished as the pick of Faisalabad bowlers with five for 120.

Imran, who began the day at 120, added another 14 runs to notch up his best score in first-class, beating his 125 not out against Rest of Balochistan in the second match of the tournament.

Arif then put on 68 runs for the seventh wicket with paceman Tanvir Ahmed whose contribution was 31 off 65 balls. Arif also dominated the unbroken 50-run ninth wicket partnership with Irfanuddin who chipped in with 18.

Faisalabad, in their second turn, were reduced to 45 for two when Mohammad Ramazan and Zahoor Elahi returned cheaply. But Samiul Haq and Sohail Nazir repaired the damage by putting on 78 for the third wicket in 113 minutes.

Sami followed up his 61 in the first innings with 58 before falling to Irfanuddin while Sohail was still at the crease unbeaten on 36.