KARACHI, Feb 21: Punjab will attempt to make up for a disappointing start to their Pentangular Cup campaign when they face NWFP in the second-round fixture at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore from Friday.

Punjab, captained by Pakistan vice-captain Misbah-ul-Haq, were certain to win when they began the final day of their opening round match against Federal Areas at the same venue eight days ago. But a superb 172 by Bazid Khan earned the visitors a creditable draw.

But the going against the Younis Khan-led NWFP side won’t be that easy for the home team after NWFP’s promising display against Sindh at the National Stadium in Karachi in the first round.

Although NWFP lost to Sindh by five wickets, they still had a fair chance of victory after taking the lead on the first innings. But despite a brilliant century by Younis, NWFP lost their away in the second innings.

Punjab will be bolstered by return of Pakistan skipper Shoaib Malik, who skipped the first game for personal reasons, and paceman Fahad Masood, who has replaced Naved Latif in the squad. Meanwhile, Federal Areas will start their match against Balochistan here at the National Stadium without the services of Shoaib Akhtar. The controversial Pakistan fast bowler was not only stripped of the captaincy, but also was dropped altogether from the squad by the national selectors who had enough of his antics.

Paceman Rao Iftikhar, who was originally named vice-captain, will now take over the captaincy for the rest of the tournament.

Balochistan, led by left-handed batsman Naseem Khan, will be further boosted by inclusion of left-handed opener Agha Sabir, the guest player from Karachi.

Second-round fixtures (Feb 22-25): Federal Areas v Balochistan at National Stadium, Karachi; Punjab v NWFP at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.