RAWALPINDI, Oct 16: National Bank were heading for a big first innings total in their Patron’s Trophy Grade-I game against Allied Bank on the second day Tuesday at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

After umpires called off play five overs before the scheduled close, National Bank had piled up 340 for five, a lead of 74 runs after they resumed their innings at the overnight score of 65 for one.

Imran Nazir, unbeaten on 41 Monday, completed his half century and went on to score 78, an innings that comprised 86 deliveries. He struck 10 well-timed boundaries and a mighty six to fuel National Bank’s ambitions. Imran eventually fell to ex-Test paceman Aqib Javed who had him caught behind.

Also shining bright with the bat was Akhtar Sarfraz whose 96-ball knock yielded 74 runs that were laced with five hits to the ropes.

Sajid Ali was poised to score a half century and stood unconquered on 46 along with Qaiser Abbas on 36 as National Bank looked firmly set to maintain their ascendancy in the match that heads into the third day Wednesday.

Whatever little success Allied Bank achieved came through Aaqib, Aamir Nazir and Ata-ur-Rehman. ABL were without Naved Latif after he reportedly left the team Monday evening to join the national camp in Lahore. He had scored 59 in the first innings.