November 12, 2001	Monday	Shaba’an 25, 1422

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KARACHI, Nov 11: Public Pakistan Works Department (PWD) batted solidly to deny an injury-hit PIA side victory in the Patron’s Trophy Grade-I match at UBL Sports Complex here Sunday.

After being forced to follow-on, PWD reached 312 for five in their second innings when the match was called off after the eighth mandatory over.

All-rounder Bilal Asad stole the limelight on the fourth and final day by remaining undefeated with 94. There were other useful contributions by Bazid Khan, Zahid Ghauri and skipper Iqbal Imam.

PIA sorely missed the services of Test off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq Sunday because of cramps and swelling on his bowling hand. In addition, slow left-armer Zahid Ahmed was also sidelined with a broken little finger.

PIA, who had to win outright in order to finish behind champions National Bank in the 10-team championship, had to settle for fifth place in the final standings.

Zahid Ghauri (53 off 133 balls, nine fours) and Imran Khan (21) laid a solid foundation by putting on 83 for opening stand.

Bazid Khan was run out after making a fine 59 off 88 balls. His 86-minute stay was laced with eight fours and one six.

The partnership that really ensured a draw for PWD was provided by Bilal Asad and Iqbal Imam. The pair added 120 for the fifth wicket in just under two hours before Iqbal holed to Yousuf Youhana at midwicket off Shoaib Mohammad for 48. The left-hander struck five fours and one in his 73-ball knock.

Bilal, meanwhile, stroked nine fours and one six during his 146-ball knock in exactly three hours. A lackadaisical approach towards the latter part of his innings cost the all-rounder a well-deserved century.

Shoaib’s part-time off-spinners earned the 40-year-old ex-Test batsman three wickets for 65 runs in 18 overs. Asif Mujtaba, the PIA captain who took a hat trick Saturday, remained wicketless in the second innings.