PTCL close in on first-innings points
With only 41.4 overs possible on the third day, Habib Bank had inched their way to 139 for 6, in reply to 271 made by PTCL in their first innings
18-Jan-2006
The first-innings lead and the issue of awarding the three points were still some way from being resolved, as the third day of the Quadrangular Stage match between Habib Bank and Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) was interrupted by weather at Multan.
With only 41.4 overs possible on the third day, Habib Bank had inched their way to 139 for 6, in reply to 271 made by PTCL in their first innings. Fast bowler Tahir Mughal captured three wickets as Habib Bank lost their first four wickets with only 57 runs on the board. Half the side was dismissed with just 81 scored.
A sixth-wicket partnership of 54 runs then lifted them to a reasonable total. These runs came in quick time between Humayun Farhat, the wicketkeeper, and Abdul Rehman, a left-handed allrounder. Humayun is not out on 48 off just 49 deliveries with eight boundaries.
When the day's play was called off yet again because of fading light, Habib Bank, a record seven-time winners of the Patron's Trophy title, were still only halfway through to their objective. They are 132 short of PTCL's total, with just four wickets in hand. With only one day left in the match, PTCL's aim should now be to at least gain the three first-innings lead points on offer.
The third day of the match between Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and National Bank of Pakistan (NBP), was also washed out at the Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) Stadium. No play was possible on the first two days as well.
If there's the possibility of play on the last day, PIA and NBP captains might mutually agree to forfeit their first innings and play their respective second innings to go for collecting the full points.
PIA, one of the top departmental teams in the country, have never won the Patron's Trophy in its 33-year long history. Last season they shared the title with Habib Bank after the final between the two sides was rained off.