KARACHI, Dec 9: A superb century by Jamaluddin helped Peshawar secure a substantial first-innings lead of 149 runs over Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) on the second day of the five-day Quaid-i-Azam Trophy National Cricket Championship Division II final at the Arbab Niaz Stadium in Peshawar on Friday.

Jamaluddin, the 26-year-old Swat-born right-handed batsman, struck a career-best 124 off 154 deliveries that eventually guided Peshawar to an imposing total of 351. Jamaluddin’s second hundred in 22nd first-class match was laced with 23 boundaries during a stay of 190 minutes.

Resuming at 85-2, Peshawar scored at a brisk rate with Jamaluddin leading the way in two handy partnerships. Skipper Akbar Badshah made a sedate 52 (151 balls, seven fours) while putting on exactly 100 for the fifth wicket with Jamaluddin.

Jamaluddin then added 88 for the sixth wicket with wicket-keeper Mohammad Rizwan who contributed an attractive 46 off 76 balls with five hits to the fence.

Medium-pacer Imran Ali bagged four for 71 in 19.1 overs, including the prized scalp of Jamaluddin, to emerge as the best SNGPL bowler. Bilawal Bhatti, who claimed the first three wickets, finished with 3-74 in 18 overs while fellow fast bowler Asad Ali toiled through 23 overs to capture 2-103.

SNGPL openers Naeemuddin and Azeem Ghumman negotiated 3.1 overs before bad light brought an end to the day’s play with the departmental side reaching 7-0.