November 6, 2001	Tuesday	Shaba’an 19, 1422

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KARACHI, Nov 5: Paceman Fazle Akbar maintained his fairy tale run in the Patron’s Trophy when he bowled PIA to a thumping 80-run victory over ADBP on the final day at the National Stadium Monday.

Fazle, overlooked for the Asian Test Championship and Sharjah Cup, captured six wickets for 68 runs in 28.1 overs as the bankers were dismissed for 256 some 40 minutes after tea while chasing 337 for victory.

Former Test batsman Atif Rauf, who began the day at 61 in ADBP’s 116 for three, fought a lone battle when he defied PIA for over seven hours while scoring an unconquered 133 off 295 deliveries.

The graceful right-hander, who was not utilized by Pakistan when he was at his brilliant best a few years ago, showed glimpses of his elegance while punching 15 boundaries and a six. Atif had completed his century off 215 balls with 12 hits to the fence.

It was a shame that despite Atif’s heroics, he had to end up on the losing purely because of lack of support from the other end. After Atif’s score, the second best contribution came from extras which were 35.

Fazle Akbar, the strongly built pathan, bowled excellently throughout the match and capitalized from a sporting pitch which offered everything to those who showed commitment and patience.

Fazle’s second innings six for 68 came after he grabbed four for 56 in the first innings to finish with match haul of 10 for 124. He now has raised his tally of wickets to 44 which is an incredible performance considering that he hasn’t got pitches according to his liking.

Fazle was devastating with the second new ball when he claimed four wickets for 20 runs in 7.1 overs as ADBP lost their last four wickets for the addition of 29 runs.

For PIA, it was a morale-boosting victory particularly after they had fielded an almost second string in the absence of seven frontline players who are either on national duty or nursing injuries.

While skipper Asif Mujtaba deserves credit for utilizing his resources to the limits, the team management should be appreciated for lifting the spirits of the team following a mid-event slump they were lost two games, conceded lead on two occasions before being forced to follow on by Customs in the previous round match.