Sohaib slams elusive ton as Southern Punjab fight back.

KARACHI -- Forgotten Pakistan batsman Sohaib Maqsood reached scored his first century in two years on Wednesday while starring for Southern Punjab on the penultimate day of their First XI Quaid-e-Azam Trophy's fifth-round fixture against Northern in Sialkot.

The tall right-hander last reached three figures at the first-class level at the same Jinnah Stadium while playing for United Bank against Pakistan Television in October 2017.

The venue proved lucky once again for Sohaib as he brought up the 10th hundred of his career, making 111 that helped Southern Punjab extend their overnight score of 102-1 to 403-8 while replying to Northern's 550-6 declared.

Out-of-favour Pakistan opener Sami Aslam also excelled with an even 100 (186 balls, 13 fours and one six) as he and Sohaib, who adorned his run-a-ball innings with 15 boundaries and a brace of sixes, put on 102 for the third wicket.

Slow left-armer Nauman Ali dismissed both the century-makers before finishing the day with decent figures of 5-138 from 31 overs. Australia-bound fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi made a low-key return to competitive cricket since July - his last appearance was the World Cup fixture against Bangladesh at Lord's - after undergoing a rehabilitation schedule after being diagnosed with dengue.

The giant left-armer bagged two wickets for 107 runs in 22 overs in a much-needed match practice before he leaves for Australia next week.

Shaheen's fellow tourist Nasim Shah, meanwhile, captured three more wickets against Sindh at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad to enhance his claims for a shock Test debut against Australia at the Gabba on Nov 21.

The 16-year-old Central Punjab speedster ended up with 6-78 in 19 overs after dismissing Fawad Ala, the recently-sacked Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed - caught behind for a four-ball duck - and Sohail Khan.

Fawad, who resumed at 78 in the team tally of 196-4, was the top-scorer with 92 (164 balls, 13 fours) before edging Nasim to Kamran Akmal. His downfall also terminated a splendid fifth-wicket partnership of 160 with fellow left-hander Saad Ali, who added 21 to his Tuesday's score of 60.

Sindh were 232-4 before the next wicket triggered a collapse as just 24 runs were added for the loss of six wickets in that brief period of play. Saad's 81 off 153 balls included 11 hits to the fence.

Central Punjab, enjoying a handy lead of 57, consolidated their position by closing the day on 192-2 in their second innings to have overall lead of 249...