NBP win sixth Patrons Trophy title

National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) regained their Patron's Trophy Cricket Championship title with a five-wicket win against Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) on the final day of their Quadrangular Stage match at the Sheikhupura Stadium.

Resuming at 131 for 5 in their second innings with a lead of just 43 runs, PTCL showed some fight and reached 257. Still, they finished only 169 ahead and NBP reeled off 171 for 5 in 37.3 overs to claim victory.

Shahzad Malik and Asim Kamal added 77 runs for the seventh wicket for PTCL. Shahzad's 51 off 71 balls included seven fours and a six. Asim batted as low No.8 and was unbeaten on 52 with eight fours. But PTCL were finally undone by the leg-spin of Mansoor Amjad who took 4 for 57 in only 10.1 overs.

Promoted to open the innings for NBP, Shahid Yousuf hit 47 off 65 balls with eight fours. Naumanullah, the captain, scored an unbeaten 40 to take his team to victory.

NBP gained nine points from the victory and took their total to 18, three more than Pakistan International Airlines' 15, who after 33 years still remain without a Patron's Trophy championship. NBP have now won the Patrons Trophy for the sixth time since it was introduced in 1972-73. The last time they won was in the 2001-02 season.

The following four players were chosen for the individual awards: Best Batsman - Faisal Iqbal (PIA), Best Bowler - Tahir Mughal (PTCL), Best Wicketkeeper - Ahmed Zeeshan (PIA) and Best Fielder - Shahzad Malik (PTCL).