RAWALPINDI, Sept 27: Rawalpindi had to pay dearly for the absence of paceman Najaf Shah, called up for Pakistan A duty to Multan, as Lahore Blues cashed in to take a 10-run first innings lead in their National Junior (Under-19) Championship semifinal at the Rawalpindi Stadium Friday.

Najaf, Rawalpindi’s strike bowler had to leave midway on the second day with Lahore struggling at 76 for five after resuming their first innings at the overnight score of 40 for three. As Najaf left after picking up a wicket, Lahore made most of his absence to reach 220 for nine off 80 overs gaining a vital lead.

Rawalpindi had lost further ground by the close and were three down for 70 in their second innings off 23.4 overs. Shoaib Nasir, on 21 and Mazhar Malik, who had yet to score, were at the crease.

Earlier, Atif Ejaz stood out scoring a patient unbeaten half century, his 148-ball knock swinging the pendulum Lahore’s way. He stayed at the crease for a good 208 minutes and frustrated the home bowlers.

Pacer Saad Altaf, who had three overnight wickets to his credit, snapped up another two to finish with five for 75 while Shahid Mahmood picked up two for 37.

Saturday is the final day of the match.