Customs eye a berth

Rizwan Saeed's 10 wickets went in vain as his team, Defense Housing Authority (DHA), still faced defeat against Pakistan Customs in the sixth round of the Inter-Department Qualifying Tournament.

Rizwan, after taking 6 for 58 in the first innings, took 4 for 88 in the second, but Customs still built a lead of 349, scoring 268. DHA, needing 350 for victory, had slumped to 119 for 4 at stumps with Junaid Zia and Imran Ali taking two wickets apiece.

To earn a place in the Patron's Trophy first-class competition starting on December 1 at Karachi, Customs not only needed to win this game but they also needed PIA to defeat DHA in the final round.

Overnight rain affected three matches played in Punjab and while KPT benefited, NBP suffered. KPT needed points through a first innings lead, even if their game was drawn, and had closed the first day play at 221 for three. The second rain-affected match was at the Shalimar Ground in Islamabad where PTCL, engaged in a duel with ARL, were 135 for 1 after first day's play.

There was no play at LCCA Ground, where Service Industries were 222 for 3 against HEC.