By Our Sports Reporter

KARACHI, Oct 12: Youthful Hasan Raza struck a magnificent 163 to lead a tremendous rearguard action by Karachi Whites against Bahawalpur on the penultimate day of the four-day Quaid-i-Azam Trophy Grade-I National Cricket Championship encounter at the Mahmood Stadium, Rahim Yar Khan on Monday, according to a message received here.

Hasan's brilliant knock enabled Karachi Whites to take a slender first innings lead of 54 over their opponents, who closed the third day at 146 for two in their second innings with opener Sher Ali making 64.

Karachi Whites, who resumed at their overnight score of 229 for six in reply to Bahawalpur's 345, were finally all out for 399.

Hasan played a pivotal role in guiding Karachi Whites out of trouble after they found themselves in trouble at 93 for four on Sunday afternoon. The 16-year-old right-hander, who set a world record of becoming the youngest Test debutant at 14 years and 227 days in his sole appearance against Zimbabwe two years ago, added 95 to his overnight 68.

All-rounder Zafar Iqbal, who made 40 off 44 balls with seven fours, gave Hasan great support in a seventh-wicket partnership of 70 in 59 minutes.

Karachi Whites owed their lead to a determined last wicket partnership of 75 in 112 minutes between Hasan and incapacitated pace bowler Shiraz Hyder, who stuck around manfully despite carrying a leg injury.

Hasan's long vigil at the crease took 372 minutes during which he faced 341 deliveries and sent the ball 22 times to the fence.

Bahawalpur skipper Azhar Shafiq could not add to his Sunday's tally of five wickets and finished with final figures of five for 104. Off-spinner Farooq Hameed three of the four wickets to fall on Monday to end up with three for 84 while leg-spinner Usman Tariq claimed two for 74.