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Islamabad, Dec 18: A top order failure left the Khan Research Laboratories struggling at 71 for 4 in their second innings after the Pakistan Reserves first innings was closed at 293 that provided the hosts a token lead of 22 here on the third day of Quaid-i-Azam Trophy match at the KRL Stadium on Saturday.

The KRL now has an overall lead of 93 with six second wickets in hand in the keenly contested game. First innings centurion Naseer Ahmed, who was yet to open his account, and nightwatchman Rao Naeem (1) were at the crease when bad light stopped play four overs earlier.

The hosts got off to a terrible second innings start with both openers back in the pavilion at the total of 10. Iftikhar Hussain came to open with Saeed Anwar Jr. in place of Basit Niazi who hurt his wrist during fielding, Iftikhar was dismissed for a duck. Trying to leave a late swing from Fazle Akbar a thick outside edge he was caught in the gully by Faisal Iqbal. On the other side, Saeed Jr (9) also went to a similar ball from Zahid Saeed and was caught at the slips by Imran Nazir.

For the third wicket all-rounder Murtaza Hussain (18) and Moazzam Ali Shah (33 off 68 balls) added 48 runs in 80 minutes before both were removed by wrist spinner Danish Kaneria that took his tally of wickets in the match to nine.

Earlier, the KRL gained a 22 runs lead when the Pakistan Reserves first innings was wrapped up at 293. Their last six wickets could add 96 runs, including a fine 53 by wicket-keeper Atiquzzaman in over three hours play.

The overnight pair of Asif Mehmood and Faisal Iqbal, having contributed 41 runs, failed to rebuild their partnership and was separated with the addition of 11 runs on the third morning. Faisal Iqbal (24 off 88 balls) added one run to his overnight score before KRL's leading wicket taker this season off spinner Murtaza Hussain had him caught off Iftikhar Hussain.

The KRL looked set to gain a better lead than what they got when the Pakistan Reserves was reduced to 242 for 8. But wicket-keeper Atiq-uz-zaman, who was hired by the KRL this season before he was picked for Pakistan Reserves, trimmed down the lead to a nominal with his fine innings of 53.

He faced 151 balls, hit four boundaries and lofted leggie Rao Naeem for a six. For the ninth wicket he added 43 runs with pacer Zahid Saeed who remained not out at 9. Atiq was trapped leg before by Jaffar Nazir who finished with 2 for 43. Rao Naeem claimed 3 for 54 and Mohammad Sarfraz had 2 for 86.

© The Dawn