HYDERABAD, Nov 2: Defending champions Pakistan Customs suffered a sensational collapse as KRL seized control on a dramatic opening day of the vital Patron’s Trophy Grade-I tie at Niaz Stadium here Friday.

After bowling out KRL for 205 in 60 overs, Customs reached stumps at an unbelievable 44 for nine as Yasir Arafat claimed six for 21 and Naeem Akhtar three for 23.

Barring one scalp, the remaining 18 were snapped by medium-pacers in favourable conditions.

Customs, who must win this clash to stand any hope of retaining the title, need another 11 runs to avoid the follow-on when play resumes Saturday.

Earlier, after being sent in, wicket-keeper Zulfiqar Jan dug KRL out of trouble with a 136-ball unbeaten knock of 87, was laced with six sixes and three sixes, after coming to the crease at 44 for six.

Intikhab Alam was the other major scorer with 49 off 84 balls and put on 60 for the seventh wicket with Zulfiqar. His innings included seven boundaries and put.

Left-arm pacer Waqar Ahmed captured five for 55. Fellow pacemen Waqas Chughtai and Tariq Haroon claimed two for 60 and two for 43 respectively.