Bankers restrict PIA to 267

Despite half-centuries by Yousuf Youhana, Sohail Jaffar and Asif Mujtaba, PIA made a modest 267 in their first innings on the opening day of the Patron's Trophy Grade-I fixture against National Bank at Sheikhupura Stadium Thursday.

National Bank openers Imran Nazir and Kamran Akmal safely an over each by Wasim Akram and Azhar Mahmood to close the day on three for no wicket, according to details available here.

Generally, it was a disappointing day for PIA. They were on course for massive score after National Bank skipper Mushtaq Ahmed had elected to first. But once the 99-run fourth wicket partnership between Asif Mujtaba and Yousuf Youhana was broken, PIA lost their last seven wickets for 67 runs.

Opener Sohail Jaffer made 65 off 77 deliveries in 106 minutes and the left-handed Mujtaba contributed a sedate 50 off 161 balls in 217 minutes.

Youhana, the ever reliable Test right-hander, went past the 50-run mark for the fourth consecutive time in as many innings. He made 54 and 52 in the opening match against Allied Bank at Sialkot last week, preceded by that unbeaten century against Bangladesh in the Asian Test Championship clash at Multan last month.

Wasim Akram, in his first match for a month, scored just seven off 15 balls before falling to leg-spinner Mushtaq. PIA captain Moin Khan made 20 off 49 balls until he too was dismissed by the discarded Test spinner.

Pakistan captain Waqar Younis terminated PIA's innings by taking the scalps of Azhar Mahmood and Shoaib Malik to finish with three for 38.

Mushtaq also claimed three wickets but conceded 86 runs in 25 overs while lanky speedster Shabbir Ahmed captured two for 44.