Khalil bowls ZTBL to emphatic victory

Mohammad Khalil took 6 for 60 to bowl Zarai Taraqiati Bank (ZTBL) to an emphatic 174-run victory over Pakistan Customs, in their Patrons Trophy match at Karachi on Monday. Customs, who began the day on 97 for 5, had little answer to Khalil, who was cleared of ball-tampering charges during the course of the first innings, and were all out for 220 an hour after lunch on the fourth day.

Kashif Siddiq, the Customs captain and opener, top-scored with 77 with 11 boundaries in a little over three hours. Hanif Malik, the wicketkeeper, contributed a fighting 51 off 76 balls which included five fours and a six.

This was ZTBL's second win in as many matches after they beat holders National Bank of Pakistan by an innings. ZTBL now have 18 points.

Habib Bank Limited (HBL) jumped on top of the Patrons Trophy Pool A table with a 90-run win over National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) on the final day at Karachi. NBP, resuming on their overnight score of 146 for 5, were bowled out for 168 an hour before lunch. Azhar Mahmood broke the 73-run sixth-wicket stand between Naumanullah (73) and Qaiser Abbas (40).

Kamran Hussain, the left-arm fast bowler, and Shahid Afridi, who was leading the side, took two wickets each to polish off the tail. Earlier, Irfan Fazil rattled the top order with three quick wickets.

With back to back victories in two games, Habib Bank have raised their points tally to 18 while NBP have collected just nine points in three matches with one win and two defeats.

Neither Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) nor Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) were able to gain any points from their rain-hit draw at Rawalpindi. With the first two days disrupted, the match was called off as KRL replied to WAPDA's 365 with 201 for 4.

For KRL, Abdul Rauf, the right-arm fast-medium bowler, bagged 5 for 67 in 22.4 overs. With the bat, Mohammad Wasim, KRL's captain, hit 79 and Mohtashim Ali 52 in a second-wicket stand of 106.

With first innings completed, neither side got any points. But both KRL and WAPDA had already qualified for the Quadrangular Stage of the tournament that starts on December 5.

The match between Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited (SNGPL) ended in a draw on the final day at the Sheikhupura Stadium. Neither side collected any points and have failed to make the Quadrangular Stage.

In a rain-interrupted match, SNGPL scored 253 in their first innings after being put in by PIA. In reply, PIA reached 205 for 8, with the lead issue remaining inconclusive. Agha Sabir, the opener, top-scored for PIA with a resolute 74. Down the order, Bazid Khan made 42. For SNGPL, Asad Ali's medium pace accounted for 3 for 62.