Opener Nasir Jamshed hit a sparkling hundred as Pakistan's Patron's XI strengthened their position in the four-day match against Zimbabwe on Tuesday.

The 18-year-old left-hander scored a career-best 182 to help the hosts reach 361-3 at close on the second day at Defence Stadium, gaining an overall lead of 152 on Zimbabwe's first-innings total of 209.

Jamshed hit 16 boundaries and seven sixes to punish a hapless Zimbabwe attack during his 240-ball knock.

Zimbabwe's management issued a brief statement before the start of the second day, pledging their commitment for the tour.

"The tour stands as per schedule," said Zimbabwe team manager in a reaction to a bomb blast in Karachi that killed nine people on Monday.

Zimbabwe are due to play five one-day internationals against Pakistan on the tour, with the first match scheduled here on January 21.

Resuming at 65-0, the Patron's XI lost Khalid Latif for 18. He had added one more to his overnight score before being caught behind off paceman Elton Chigumbura.

Jamshed and Afaq Rahim (77) then punished the tourists during their 205 runs for the second wicket. Rahim was caught at the stroke of tea, off Chigumbura who finished with 2-61.

Left-arm spinner Ray Price finally ended Jamshed's brilliant knock when he had the opener caught off a miscued drive. Rahim hit six boundaries and a six.

At close, Naumanullah Khan was unbeaten on 46 and Fawad Alam was 28 not out.

Abbreviated Scores: Zimbabwe 209 (B. Taylor 64, Shahid Afridi 4-37); Patron's XI 361-3 (Nasir Jamshed 182, Afaq Rahim 77).

(Article: Copyright © 2008 AFP)