Nadeem puts Customs back in contention

In a remarkable turnaround paceman Nadeem Iqbal put Pakistan Customs on verge of annexing their first major title. National Bank, who were firmly in control over the previous two days of the Patron's Trophy Grade-I Cricket Championship final , eventually lost their grip on an eventful third day when 15 wickets fell at Gaddafi Stadium on Monday.

After Customs had conceded a 44-run first innings lead when they made 321 having resumed at 245 for seven, their bowlers then sliced through the National Bank batting to send them packing for a meagre 110 second time round.

Chasing an achievable 155 for victory, Customs had reduced the margin to 104 by reaching 51 for two despite losing Azhar Shafiq to the first ball of their second innings.

Nadeem bowled with great hostility to claim the key scalps of National Bank captain Sajid Ali (23), Qaiser Abbas(2), Naumanullah (2), Akhtar Sarfraz (0) and Shabbir Ahmed (5). He finished with fine analysis of five for 27 in 16 overs.

Fellow pacer Stephen John provided adequate support to Nadeem by picking up two for 34.

All-rounder Mohammad Javed top-scored for the bankers with 26.

Earlier, wicket-keeper Wasim Yousufi struck a priceless 54 that went a long way in cutting down the first innings deficit. He cracked seven fours and one six during his 86-ball knock in 109 minutes.