NBP sitting pretty

Solid batting by Nasim Khan and Aamir Bashir saved Customs from total disaster on the second day of the Patron's Trophy Grade-I Cricket Championship final against National Bank at the Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.

National Bank, who made 365 in their first innings after resuming at 324 for seven, were well served by their pace trio of Shabbir Ahmed (three for 74), Aleem Musa (two for 68) and Mohammad Javed (two for 35) who between them restricted Customs to 245 for seven at stumps.

Customs still require 121 for a first innings lead. Nasim Khan and Aamir Bashir came together in a third wicket partnership of 118 in 159 minutes after Customs had lost skipper Ali Naqvi (10) and fellow Azhar Shafiq (1) by the time the total reached 55.

However, three wickets in quick successions brought National Bank right back into the game. The left-handed Nasim was caught at the wicket off Shabbir for 76 to give wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal his third straight dismissal. Nasim cracked 12 boundaries during his 134-ball knock that lasted 181 minutes.

Without any addition, the in-form Naved Latif was adjudged LBW to Shabbir for a duck. The lanky Shabbir soon collected his third wicket when he had Azam Khan caught behind for one to leave Customs in dire straits at 178 for five.

Aamir Bashir and his unrelated namesake Aamir Iqbal (22, four fours) combined to put on 41 before the former fell to Mohammad Javed for 70. Aamir Bashir's 171-ball innings contained 11 fours during a stay of 233 minutes.

Earlier in the day, Naumanullah failed by nine runs to complete his century having resumed on 83. He faced 214 balls and struck 14 boundaries in a stay of 344 minutes.

Ali Naqvi, who took three wickets on Saturday, captured two more to finish with five for 65 in 16 overs.