LAHORE, Nov 18: In the two crucial matches of the sixth round of the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy National Cricket Championship, starting from Monday across the country, the group ‘A’ leaders Habib Bank Limited (HBL) will be taking on a formidable Wapda side while Group ‘B’ toppers Islamabad lock horns with the pool’s runners-up Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).

The unbeaten HBL, having 36 points from four outings, will play Wapda at the Sheikhupura Stadium. The bankers, whose top position is under threat from runners-up National Bank of Pakistan (equal with 36 points) have to beat Wapda to maintain their top slot.

In another crucial match, Islamabad Region, the only one among 13 regional teams will face runners-up of the pool ‘B’ PIA at the Diamond Club Ground, Islamabad. The hosts had obtained 36 points from five matches with four wins and one loss. PIA had aggregated 27 points from as many matches with three wins and two draws.

Lahore Ravi, currently fourth in group ‘A’ have a chance to improve its position after beating a low-rate Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) at Muridke. SSGC had scored only 18 points from four matches and were at the seventh spot.

Similarly, in pool ‘B’, Zarai Tarqati Bank Limited (ZTBL) are eyeing a win against second-rated Quetta. A win can elevate them to more respectable position from fourth after five matches.

Following is the schedule of the sixth round:

Group ‘A’.

Faisalabad vs Hyderabad (Iqbal Stadium,Faisalabad); Habib Bank vs Wapda (Sheikhupura Stadium); Karachi Whites vs Multan (Asghar Ali Shah Stadium, Karachi); Lahore Ravi vs SSGC (Muridke); Sialkot vs Customs (Jinnah Stadium, Sialkot).

Group ‘B’:

Abbotabad vs Karachi Blues (Abbotabad Stadium); Islamabad vs PIA (Diamond Club ground); Lahore Shalimar vs Rawalpindi (Mirpur Khas Stadium); Peshawar vs SNGPL (Arbab Niaz Stadium, Peshawar); ZTBL vs Quetta (KRL Stadium, Rawalpindi).