Hussain Talat's 136 rescues Balochistan.

Byline: Dr M. Arif Hafeez

KARACHI -- A valiant century by Hussain Talat helped Balochistan secure a draw against Southern Punjab in four-day first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy sixth-round fixture at Quetta's Bugti Stadium. At 30 for two while following-on and still a 177- run trail remaining, Balochistan, in a contest which was live-streamed on the PCB's YouTube channel, were in a precarious situation when play resumed on Thursday morning. Their problems amplified as they lost two wickets for 14 runs and were reduced to 44 for five. But, Hussain, with his solid technique denied Southern Punjab bowlers any further inroads and stitched a 167-run partnership forthe sixth-wicket with wicketkeeper-batsman Bismillah Khan - who scored 50 runs from 102 balls, hitting six fours and a six. Bismillah's dismissal, which left Balochistan at 211 for six, opened up the possibility for Southern Punjab to secure their second win of the tournament.

Hussain, however, kept pushing the opposition bowlers back and scored a remarkable 136 off 167. The all-rounder cracked 17 fours and four sixes in his 240-minute stay at the crease, before he was removed by Rahat Ali, who recorded his career's 12th five-fer. The left-arm mediumfast took five for 49 in 24 overs. Mohammad Irfan jnr was the other notable bowler as his right-arm medium-fast accounted for three Balochistan's wickets for 64 runs. Balochistan were allout for 295 in the...