KARACHI, March 21: Rain, as it seemed, appears to have the last laugh in the weather-plagued Patron’s Trophy final between PIA and Habib Bank at the Qadhafi Stadium in Lahore as Monday’s action was completely washed out.

Heavy rain, followed by steady drizzle almost throughout the day in the Punjab capital, has virtually assured that play on the extended sixth day of the match is unlikely to take place.

So far over 20 hours of playing time have been lost during the originally scheduled five-day fixture and the first innings of Habib Bank was only completed on the fourth afternoon.

PIA, who have never been able to win this championship outright after it was renamed from the BCCP Trophy in the early part of 1970s, must be cursing their misfortune yet again.

Habib Bank, the seven-time champions, rattled up 444 before PIA replied with 59 for no loss.

With PIA unlikely to have a go at their target of 445 on Tuesday, the prize-money will be shared and the teams declared joint champions for the 2004-05 season.