LAHORE, Nov 29: The leaders of both groups — ‘A’ and ‘B’ — are likely to maintain their respective positions at the end of Quaid-i-Azam Trophy Championship’s eighth round, starting across the country from Saturday, as they are playing against rather weak teams of the respective pool.

The Habib Bank Limited (HBL) the group ‘A’ leaders, will take on Multan at Multan Cricket Stadium. Multan are trailing at the 6th position with 21 points from seven matches whereas the HBL are leading the pool with 45 points from six outings.

Similarly, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the group ‘B’ leaders, will face Lahore Shalimar, who are also at the 6th place with 18 points. The PIA had 45 points from six matches.

In other matches, Sialkot will play against Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGS) at the Jinnah Stadium, Sialkot. Placed at third position in Group ‘A’, Wapda will be meeting Hyderabad at the Niaz Stadium, Hyderabad.

The National Bank of Pakistan (NBP), the pool ‘A’ runners-up, have also easy rivals in Customs, who are 10th among 11-team pool. Two other weak teams of the same pool – Karachi Whites and Faisalabad – will lock horns at the Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad.

Following is the schedule of other matches:

KARACHI BLUES v KRL, KRL Stadium, Rawalpindi; RAWALPINDI v ZTBL, Mirpur Stadium; LAHORE SHALIMAR v PIA, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore; ABBOTTABAD v SNGPL, Abbottabad Stadium; PESHAWAR v QUETTA, at Arbab Niaz Stadium, Peshawar.