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Rawalpindi were dealt a big blow by match referee Abdul Sami Khan Thursday when he slapped a one-match ban on paceman Mohammad Zahid and fined him Rs 5,000 for imtimidatory bowling.

Zahid was involved in a tiff with Rest of Punjab batsman Mohammad Fazil Wednesday in the Quaid Trophy match at the KRL Stadium and indulged in what the umpires said was an "intentional attempt by the bowler to hurt the batsman."

The referee summoned Zahid and after a hearing decided to penalise him, although Rawalpindi officials made desperate attempts to have the decision reverted.

The match itself seemed headed for a draw as the Rest, resuming at the overnight 250 for five accumulated 423 in their first innings - a lead of 174.

By the close of third day's play, that came 18 overs early, Rawalpindi in their second innings were 122 for one, still 52 behind and a full day still to go.

The Rest total revolved around a fine unconquered 127 by Sufian Munir, who was 50 overnight. His 204-ball innings was laced with 19 fours and he was involved in three important partnerships. The first stand with his overnight partner Fazil yielded 89 for the sixth wicket and later along with Abdur Rauf, he put on 53 for the eighth wicket. But it was his last wicket partnership of 88 with Mushtaq Ahmed that really boosted the Rest total. Mushtaq was in a punishing mood and struck six sixes and five boundaries in a knock of 68 runs.

Babar Naeem took the bowling honours with three for 71 followed by Azhar Bhatti and Yasir Arafat who claimed two wickets each.

Rawalpindi were given a good start to their second innings by their openers Naveed Ashraf and Babar, with both striking half centuries.

When play ended prematurely due to bad light, Babar was still at the crease on 56 and with him was Mohammad Wasim on 10.

Azhar Abbas took the only Rawalpindi wicket to fall.

© Dawn