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A seven-wicket burst by pacer Sajid Shah and fine batting by Bilal Marwat and Mohammad Fayyaz helped minnows Rest of NWFP gain an unexpected first innings lead of 105 runs against the defending champions Lahore Blues on an eventful first day of the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy Grade-I at LCCA Ground Thursday.

In blustery conditions, Sajid, a natural swing bowler, proved a handful after Lahore Blues skipper Saleem Elahi opted to bat first.

The hosts collapsed dramatically to a meagre 105 all out in just 31 overs, half hour after lunch with Sajid finishing with seven for 44 in 16 hostile overs.

NWFP further consolidated their position by reaching 210 for six at close of play, thanks to a splendid fifth-wicket partnership of 110 between skipper Bilal Marwat (68) and Mohammad Fayyaz (56) in only 73 minutes.

Bilal's 89-ball knock included 11 fours. Fayyaz belted nine boundaries in his 66-ball innings.

The only worthwhile partnership in the Blues's innings was provided by Bazid Khan, who hit 45 with nine fours and Sohail Idrees(28). The pair, come together with the total on three for three, added 52 for the fourth wicket after Imran Farhat, Salman Butt and Elahi all went for ducks.

© Dawn