KARACHI, Oct 10: Brilliant centuries by Maisam Hasnain and Agha Sabir led Karachi Whites to an imposing 337 for three against Karachi Blues on the opening day of the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy National cricket championship season here on Sunday.

Maisam (107) and the left-handed Sabir (109) put on 198 for the first wicket at better than a run-a-ball to nullify Karachi Blues skipper Rashid Latif's decision to field first after winning the toss at the National Stadium.

Faisal Iqbal, the Karachi Whites captain, looked in ominous touch as he helped himself to 70 when stumps were drawn for the day in another useful partnership of 86 with Zeeshan Pervez (23). Faisal has so far hit 10 fours, including four in an Ali Gohar over, and a towering six off Danish Kaneria.

But the day belonged to Maisam and Sabir, who reached his third century at first-class level. Taking advantage of wayward bowling, the duo added 108 by lunch.

Maisam, the dominant partner, struck 20 fours and one six, off Kaneria, before the Test leg-spinner had him caught by substitute Azam Hussain. The former Pakistan Under-19 captain faced 146 balls for his seventh first-class century in 195 minutes.

Sabir's 260-minute vigil at the crease was ended by Tabish Khan shortly after tea when Naumanullah held in the slips. His 181-ball knock was laced with 19 boundaries. Kaneria toiled through 27 overs but was rewarded with only two wickets.

Tabish, the tall fast bowler, gave away 79 runs in 14 overs, including 14 boundaries. Opening bowlers Ali Gohar and Nasir Khan, who was plagued by no-ball problems, went wicket less.

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