NBP win despite Azhar's 103
National Bank coasted to a six-wicket win over Pakistan Customs in the Patron's Trophy Grade-I tie at Jinnah Stadium in Gujranwala Saturday
07-Oct-2001
National Bank coasted to a six-wicket win over Pakistan Customs in the
Patron's Trophy Grade-I tie at Jinnah Stadium in Gujranwala Saturday.
A defiant knock of 103 from all-rounder Azhar Shafiq was not enough to
save the defending champions from going to last season's runners-up,
says a message here. National Bank, who were set a target of 147, were
well served by Pakistan captain Waqar Younis who slammed 64 off 65
deliveries while batting at No 4.
Waqar and Akhtar Sarfraz (21 not out) added 63 for the fourth wicket
after National Bank had lost three for 53. Earlier, Customs were able
to muster another 70 before being all out for 309 with the left-handed
Azhar Shafiq scoring 53 of them to complete a well-deserved century,
having resumed at 53.
National Bank's target would have been much smaller had Azhar Shafiq
not put on 53 for the last wicket with Tabish Nawab (7). Azhar batted
for three minutes short of four hours and faced 180 deliveries. The
chief destroyer on the final day was lanky international paceman
Shabbir Ahmed three of the last four wickets. He finished with five
for 72 in 23 overs.