Centurion Omair helps Sindh strengthen position against Northern.

KARACHI -- Omair bin Yousuf scored a century to help Sindh keep the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy contest against Northern in balance here at the National Stadium on Wednesday.

Omair smashed an unbeaten 101 off 205 balls as Sindh - placed second in the Trophy standings - ended the third day of the ninth round fixture at 345-5 in response to table-toppers Northern's mammoth first-innings score of 605-8 (decl.).

The right-hander hit 12 fours in his knock and enjoyed support from former Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed, with the duo combining for a 129 runs for the unbroken sixth-wicket stand.

Sarfraz is not out on 62 off 79 balls and has hit eight boundaries in his innings so far. Opener Saim Ayub, with 60, and Sindh skipper Saud Shakil, with 43, were the other notable scorers for the home side.

Last year's player of the tournament Mubasir Khan took two of the five Sindh wickets with his off-spin bowling for Northern.

At Lahore's LCCA Ground, Balochistan finished the third day at 219-4 in reply to Central Punjab's first innings total of 349.

Opener Imran Butt top-scored for Balochistan, smashing 80 off 147 balls with the help of 11 fours. The right-hander was also involved in an opening stand of 115 runs with Pakistan Test opener Imam-ul-Haq, who added 43 to the total.

Youngster Abdul Wahid Bangalzai contributed 43 off 91. Central Punjab's left-arm spinner Zafar...