KARACHI, March 9: Hyderabad, Rest of Balochistan, Rest of Punjab and Rest of NWFP will make first appearance in the second round matches of the National One-day Cricket Championship Sunday.
Hyderabad, who are likely to be demoted to Quaid-i-Azam Trophy Grade-II next season, face a stern test against Pakistan Customs on their home territory in Pool ‘A’.
Balochistan take on Gujranwala, who clinched an exciting one-run win over Karachi Blues in the opening Pool ‘B’ fixture.
Punjab open their Pool ‘C’ campaign against the formidable Habib Bank side at Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad.
NWFP, meanwhile, should feel at home in Pool ‘D’ because Peshawar host them at Arbab Niaz Stadium.
The most interesting match could be the Pool ‘D’ departmental clash between KRL and ADBP at KRL Stadium.
Meanwhile, PIA and Karachi Whites, who face each other Thursday, are firm favourites to get past their Pool ‘A’ opponents Lahore Whites and Rest of Sindh respectively Sunday.
Second round schedule (March 10):
Pool A: Hyderabad v Pakistan Customs at Niaz Stadium, Hyderabad; PIA v Lahore Whites at National Stadium, Karachi; Karachi Whites v Rest of Sindh at KCCA Stadium, Karachi.
Pool B: Sialkot v Karachi Blues at Saga Ground, Sialkot; Gujranwala v Rest of Balochistan at Jinnah Stadium, Gujranwala; Sui Gas v Pak PWD at Lahore Country Club, Muridke.
Pool C: Sargodha v Lahore Blues at Sports Stadium, Sargodha; Faisalabad v Sheikhupura at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad; Habib Bank v Rest of Punjab at Sheikhupura Stadium.
Pool D: Peshawar v Rest of NWFP at Arbab Niaz Stadium, Peshawar; Rawalpindi v Islamabad at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi; KRL v ADBP at KRL Stadium, Rawalpindi.