KARACHI, Jan 28: Former Test batsman Mohammad Ramzan hit a magnificent unbeaten century in trying conditions to lift Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) of trouble in the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy quarterfinal against National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) here on Tuesday.

Opener Ramzan’s gallant 101 helped KRL to a respectable 244 for seven in their first innings on the opening day of the four-day clash at National Stadium.

After being asked to bat first by NBP skipper Sajid Ali, KRL struggled in the first session to reach 49 for two at lunch on a lively pitch.

KRL captain Ali Naqvi, who made a century on Test debut against South Africa five seasons ago, went very early when he was caught behind off Shabbir Ahmed for one.

Saeed Anwar Jr batted for 64 minutes but failed to open his account despite negotiating 49 deliveries, taken in the slips off left-arm paceman Zahid Saeed.

Saeed bin Nasir hit three boundaries in making 23 during the third-wicket partnership of 66 with Ramzan before falling to Shabbir.

Pakistan batsman Misbah-ul-Haq failed for the first time this season when he was trapped in front by Mohammad Javed for only 23.

All-rounders Yasir Arafat and Naeem Akhtar made brief contributions but wicket-keeper Zulfiqar Jan hit some lusty blows to score 23 in the unfinished eighth-wicket stand of 37.

However, the day belonged to Ramzan with a bit of luck. He was bowled by Mohammad Javed no-ball just after reaching double figures. However, from then on the 32-year-old batted with increasing assurance.

Ramzan, having reached his 50 in 162 minutes off 108 balls with nine fours, reached a thoroughly deserved hundred by pulling a short delivery from Zahid to the deep backward square-leg for his 16th boundary.

KRL will be hoping for another 40 runs on day two and much will depend on Ramzan, who has been at the crease for six hours and 10 minutes and faced 229 balls.

Scoreboard

KRL (1st Innings):