October 28, 2001	Sunday	Shaba'an 10, 1422

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KARACHI, Oct 27: Opener Agha Sabir stroked an unconquered century in only in his second match to help reigning champions Pakistan Customs gain an initial psychological advantage against an under-strength PIA on the opening day of the four-day Patron’s Trophy Grade-I match at UBL Sports Complex Saturday.

The 20-year-old left-hander was undefeated on 175 in Customs’ 292 for four on a placid turf tailor-made for stroke-makers.

Without belittling the local boy’s splendid innings, PIA were forced to field a second string in the absence of frontline players. Frankly speaking had Moin Khan, Wasim Akram, Saqlain Mushtaq, Yousuf Youhana, Azhar Mahmood and Abdur Razzaq been available, most of the boys wearing PIA caps would have been sitting in the cosy dressing room atmosphere.

To rub salt into the wounds, Agha Sabir was dropped by Ghulam Ali off paceman Fazle Akbar when he was 55. The youngster, like a true opportunist, didn’t offer any further chance and now appears for an even bigger score.

But tomorrow will be a new test for the boy as he will be taking a fresh guard and most likely face a fresh red cherry which is now overdue after PIA sent down 94 overs. It is to be seen whether he can carry on his innings and show the same composure, temperament and variety of strokes as today when everything went according to his liking.

Experienced left-arm spinner Nadeem Khan shouldered most of the bowling responsibilities when he bowled 33 tight overs. He was rewarded with the all four Customs wickets for 89 runs.

Nevertheless, Nadeem failed to distract or unsettle Agha Sabir who smashed 19 boundaries and five sixes during his 360- minute vigil in which he faced 312 balls. The Airport Gymkhana batsman had completed his century off 166 balls with 10 boundraies and four sixes.

Agha Sabir was involved in a rescue act with another left- hander Asim Kamal after Customs had plunged to 87 for three. The two local boys put on 167 runs for the fourth wicket in 185 minutes.

The partnership ended against the run of play when Asim was caught at point by Ali Gohar while attempting to square-cut Nadeem. Asim’s contribution in the partnership was 59 off 145 balls with five hits to the fence.

While Agha Sabir exploited the conditions, an in-form Shadab Kabir failed to get much use of the settings when he was adjudged leg before while offering no shot to Nadeem Khan.

Imraan Mohammad, who scored a century in the previous game against Pakistan PWD, and skipper Aamir Bashir departed in a space of 16 runs when they were scooped up in the slips off Nadeem.