Fazl-e-Akbar sends HBL packing for 27

Test speedster Fazle Akbar claimed four wickets in as many balls as PIA routed Habib Bank for a paltry 27 on a sensational opening day of the four-day Patron's TrophyGrade-I Cricket Championship match at Gaddafi Stadium here Wednesday.

Taking advantage of seaming track, PIA captain Moin Khan had no hesitation in electing to field first after winning the toss. Moin's decision paid off rich dividends as Fazle Akbar exploited the conditions splendidly to capture seven for 13 in 7.5 overs. Having claimed a hat trick by dismissing Sajid Shah, Akram Raza and Shahid Nazir, Fazl-e-Akbar completed the demolition job when he had Kabir Khan caught in the slips off the very next delivery.

For once, the great Wasim Akram was overshadowed. But the vastly experienced Test left-arm fast bowler also bowled with devastating effects to take threefor 14 in eight overs as the innings lasted a mere 92 minutes.

Farhan Adil was left stranded at the other end on 11 off 22 balls - the only double figure score in Habib Bank's innings - with two fours Habib Bank's miserable display equalled the second lowest total in Pakistan first-class cricket history, made by Dera Ismail Khan against Railways in 1964-65.

The dubious feat of making the lowest-ever score in Pakistan belongs to National Bank, who mustered 20 against Pakistan Customs during a Patron's Trophy game at UBL Sports Complex, Karachi in November 1998. By close of play, PIA have already taken a formidable first innings lead of 195 by replying with 222 for seven. Moin (19) and Wasim (17) were at the crease when stumps were drawn for the day.

Ghulam Ali (18) and Yasir Hameed (31 in 100minutes) gave PIA a solid start by putting on 52 for the first wicket in 66 minutes - the day's most productive partnership by far.

Test all-rounder Abdur Razzaq struck 32 in 46 minutes with the aid of four boundaries to become the leading individual scorer on an incredible day. Asif Mujtaba batted patientlyto score 30 in 117 minutes.