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A gutsy knock of 74 by all-rounder Faraz Ahmed Senior was the cornerstone of a splendid fight back by Karachi Whites in the National Under-19 Grade-I Cricket Championship semifinal against Lahore Blues at National Stadium here Tuesday.

Faraz's dashing 84-ball innings enabled Karachi Whites reach 196 in their first innings after being in tatters at 101 for seven in reply to Lahore Blues' 283.

After obtaining a handy lead of 87, the visitors then ran into difficulties in their second innings. They were 130 for eight for overall lead of 217 to set up an intriguing third and final day Wednesday.

Faraz, who slammed eight fours during his 123-minute stay, together with Ahmer Saeed led the recovery in a crucial eighth wicket partnership of 69.

Ahmer, forced to retire hurt earlier on, joined Faraz at the fall of Azam Hussain's wicket and batted bravely to make 36 off 62 deliveries with four hits to the fence.

It was the spin duo of left-armer Azam Hussain and off-spinner Irfanuddin who really brought the home side back into the game by sharing five wickets while only 13 runs were scored towards the end of the day.

Azam claimed three for 43 to follow his first innings' haul of six or 75. Irfan, who went wicketless Monday, picked up two for 26.

Fahad-ul-Haq, the left-hander, struck 55 off 54 balls with the help of eight fours and one six after Karachi skipper Khalid Latif dismissed his Lahore counterpart Salman Butt (18) and Kashif Mahmood (0).

Fahad and Khaqan Arsal (32 off 39 balls, five fours and one six) were involved in a fourth wicket stand worth 74.

© Dawn