October 31, 2001	Wednesday	Shaba’an 13, 1422

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KARACHI, Oct 30: Promising Faisal Iqbal and experienced Asif Mujtaba scored flawless centuries to earn a respectable draw for PIA in the seventh round Patron’s Trophy Grade-I action against Pakistan Customs at the UBL Sports Complex Tuesday.

Faisal, who started the day at eight, was dismissed shortly before stumps after scoring a 171 whereas Asif, resuming at 17, returned unbeaten with 122 as PIA declared their second innings at 520 for four. They had resumed this morning at 228 for three and still needing 59 to make Customs bat again.

The declaration eight over before stumps meant no batting session for Customs who settled with three first innings lead points. Customs, who have forced their opponents to follow on in the previous three matches, have now spent 21 sessions in the field which should ring alarm bells in the camp as regards to the fitness of players.

Customs still have two matches to play and are still in contention to retain the title. Customs trail National Bank by six points who have 48 points. PIA are all but out of title race with 30 points.

While Asif managed a typical sedate and laborious century, Faisal scored at a brisk pace and played his trademark shots. But while he played all the shots from the coaching manual, he showed tremendous confidence and composure by refusing to be carried away by the friendly settings.

Faisal’s wristy shots were as crisp and precise as his drives on the off side. He made full use of his feet by playing productive inside out shots after Customs packed the field on the on-side and bowled middle and leg.

But Faisal must owe his innings to veteran Asif Mujtaba who stood like a mountain at the other end and continued to pass on valuable tips from his vast experience to the youngster. Asif played the role of captain to perfection when he not only sense his responsibility but also made a young gun continue to carry on with the good job.

Faisal, who stroked his second century of the season, clobbered 19 blistering boundaries during his 268-ball knock which spanned five-and-a-half hours. The Test batsman had reached three figures from 173 balls with 13 boundaries.

Faisal was dismissed when was bowled while attempting to cut off-spinner Tabish Nawab in an effort to accelerate the scoring rate and complete his double century before running out of mandatory overs.

Asif Mujtaba, PIA’s run-scoring machine over the years, slammed 13 boundaries during his 362-minute vigil at the crease. He faced 280 deliveries. His 43rd career century and first of the season came off 241 balls with the aid of 12 hits to the fence.

Asif and Faisal put on 306 runs for the fourth wicket in 334 minutes.

As regards Customs, they should feel a bit unlucky for failing to emerge winners despite dominating the proceedings. But they badly lacked the services of Waqar Ahmad and Tabish Nawab who didn’t take the field on the third day because of various injuries. The remaining bowlers were too friendly to cause any concerns though all the 11 men turned their arms over.

On the last day, they were probably a bit too defensive and instead of keeping the pressure on the batsmen, bowled to a defensive line with a packed on-side field.

Customs, playing in the competition due to the lone interest of its former players, will now require to be aggressive if they want to defend the title.