National Bank and Habib Bank post massive wins
A round-up of the fourth day's play of the fourth round matches in the Patrons Trophy
27-Nov-2006
Salman Butt hit an unbeaten century to power defending champions National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) to a seven-wicket victory over Pakistan Customs on the final day of their fourth-round Patron's Trophy Cricket Championship match at the NBP Sports Complex Stadium.
Butt hit 17 boundaries in his 105 off 151 balls as NBP reached the target of 210 before tea for the loss of three wickets. Wicketkeeper Amin-ur-Rehman opened the innings with Butt who gave his team a flying start. Amin made just 16 in the 69-run opening stand as Butt punished the bowlers. This was his eighth hundred in 51 first-class matches.
Another Pakistan Test batsman Imran Nazir, who hit five fours and a two sixes in his 49, added 108 runs for the second wicket with Butt. National Bank collected nine points for the outright victory to raise their tally to 18 with two wins and two defeats.
Shahid Afridi picked up 5 for 30 to spin Habib Bank Limited (HBL) to a massive 343-run victory over Attock Group at the United Bank Limited (UBL) Sports Complex. Afridi captured five wicketsin 5.2 overs as Attock Group, chasing 466, were bundled out for 122 in their second inning. Captain Babar Naeem resisted briefly for his 33 which included three fours and a six. HBL picked up the full nine points for the victory to maintain their top slot in Pool A with their third straight win. With a tally of 27, they have now ensured a place in the tournament's Quadrangular Stage round that begins on December 5.