KARACHI, Sept 26: A captain’s knock of 127 from opener Khalid Latif propelled Karachi Whites to a healthy 301 for nine in the stipulated 80 overs of their first innings in the National Junior (Under-19) Grade-I Cricket Championship semifinal against Sheikhupura at National Stadium Thursday.

When play ended on the first of the three days, Sheikhupura were 74 for one in 18 overs. Nadeem Iqbal (24 laced with four fours) and Khalil Ahmed (35 studded with six boundaries) were at the crease.

Karachi Whites recovered from an early setback when they were reduced to 55 for two by a lively spell by paceman Nawaz Sardar after they won the toss before Khalid’s brilliant knock lifted them to a position of strength.

Right-handed Khalid was trapped lbw by Nawaz after batting for 272 minutes. He faced 209 balls and struck three sixes and eight fours.

Khalid and left-handed Atif Ali Zaidi added 99 for the third wicket. Atif hit five fours and a six before departing for 54.

Faraz Patel slammed four boundaries in his 34.

Nawaz Sardar was pick of the Sheikhupura’s bowlers with three for 40 in 10 overs. Fellow pacer and skipper Javed Hussain took two for 40 and slow left-arm spinner Ali Aslam got two for 73 in 21 overs.