Aashar Mahmood struck a century to help Eshaal Associates secure a 27-run first-innings lead over JDW before an eventful second day left their President’s Trophy Grade-II Gold match interestingly poised at the UBL Sports Complex in Karachi on Friday.

Aashar, who resumed on 21 with Eshaal Associates 70 for three in reply to JDW’s 248, was dismissed for 121 as his side posted 275. His 123-ball innings was studded with eight fours and five sixes.

Mohammad Umair, with an unbeaten 45, was the other notable contributor, while Mohib Bhatti scored 40.

For JDW, Abdullah Afridi claimed three wickets for 57 runs and Mohammad Fahad Ameen took three for 79, while Humayun Altaf picked up two for 17.

After conceding a 27-run first-innings lead, JDW reached 122 for five in their second innings at stumps, giving them an overall advantage of 95 runs with five wickets remaining.

Haseeb Ahmed top-scored with 45, while Ali Hamza contributed 20. For Eshaal Associates, Mohammad Umair took two for 11 and Mohammad Zahid claimed two for 41.

Mohammad Zulkifal (17 not out) and Aftab Ibrahim (one not out) will resume JDW’s second innings on Saturday, with the match finely poised heading into the final day.

Scores in brief (Round 4, Day 2 of 3)

JDW 248 all out, 64.1 overs (Zain Abbas 61, Shoaib 56, Humayun Altaf 55, Haseeb Ahmed 21, Usman Salahuddin 18; Moheer Saeed 3-26, Mohammad Huzaifa 2-53) and 122-5, 32 overs (Haseeb Ahmed 45, Ali Hamza 20; Mohammad Umair 2-11, Mohammad Zahid 2-41)

Eshaal Associates (overnight 70-3, 22 overs) 275 all out, 69.3 overs (Aashar Mahmood 121, Mohammad Umair 45 not out, Mohib Bhatti 40, Mohammad Sudais 26; Abdullah Afridi 3-57, Mohammad Fahad Ameen 3-79, Humayun Altaf 2-17)