February 20, 2006	Monday	Muharram 21, 1427

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KARACHI, Feb 19: On paper it may appear a Patron’s Cup one-day cricket final between David and the Goliath when the might of Habib Bank meet Pakistan Customs at the NBP Sports Complex on Monday.

Customs, who caused a major upset when they defeated reigning champions Wapda in the first semifinal, had just once reached a national one-day tournament final when they lost to Allied Bank in 1999-00.

Customs have already proved that they are capable of beating the best on their day.

The bankers are expected to be bolstered by the return of their skipper Younis Khan and Imran Farhat.

In addition the bankers have several other international players including Hasan Raza, Taufiq Umar and Danish Kaneria. Habib Bank’s track record is very impressive in domestic limited-overs competitions with a record 11 national titles to their credit.

Former Pakistan paceman Jalaluddin, the Customs head coach, said: “We don’t go by reputation of the opposing teams.

“Definitely the team that wins it will have the advantage of bowling first because the pitch contains a fair bit of moisture. Moreover, the nearby sea breeze also helps the ball to swing.”

Customs’ batting revolves around Afsar Nawaz and Fawad Alam before the semifinal against PIA and the bankers.      

Customs will be without their regular opener Kashif Siddique who is nursing a broken finger which he sustained on Saturday while facing Wapda’s Pakistan speedster Shabbir Ahmed.

Habib Bank’s batting had revolved around the in-form ex-Test opener Taufiq Umar and Hasan Raza until the semifinal stage and with Younis and Imran also available, it becomes formidable.

Test leg-spinner Danish Kaneria leads the bowling attack for the bankers with support coming from Abdul Rahman, Fahad Masood, Sajid Shah and Junaid Zia.

The winners stand to get Rs300,000 with Rs150,000 going to the runners-up.

Teams (from):

HABIB BANK: Younis Khan (captain), Imran Farhat, Taufiq Umar, Hasan Raza, Riffatullah Mohmand,  Farhan Adil, Humayun Farhat (wicket-keeper), Abdul Rahman, Junaid Zia, Fahad Masood, Sajid Shah, Danish Kaneria.

PAKISTAN CUSTOMS: Azhar Shafiq (captain), Hasnain Abbas, Mohammad Ali Niazi, Afsar Nawaz, Fawad Alam, Aamir Iqbal (wicket-keeper), Azam Hussain, Murtaza Hussain, Stephen John, Imran Ali, Naeemur Rahman, Hanif Malik, Jalat Khan.