KARACHI, April 15: Wapda, who have never won a one-day title, get a golden chance to end dominance of PIA in limited-overs cricket when they meet in the Patron’s Cup final at the National Stadium here on Saturday. PIA, who are one short of equalling Habib Bank’s national record of 11 one-day titles, will be hoping to avoid a repetition of last season’s final when despite being the odds-on favourites, they were humiliated by Habib Bank at the same venue.

Once again, Moin Khan’s side head into Saturday’s encounter as the team most likely to win because they are further strengthened by the return of four players who accompanied the Pakistan ‘A’ squad to Sri Lanka.

The in-form Bazid Khan, fresh from scoring centuries in the two ‘Tests’ against Sri Lanka ‘A’, Faisal Iqbal, Najaf Shah and Tahir Khan are all certain starters.

But leg-spinner Imran Tahir has made himself unavailable and has already departed for England directly from Colombo to fulfil his playing commitments.

Wapda had only once made it to the final of a one-day tournament when they finished runners-up to PIA in the Patron’s Cup two seasons ago at Lahore. On that occasion, PIA triumphed by 55 runs with Yasir Hameed scoring 102.

The psychological advantage lies with PIA — the only side to remain unbeaten this season – for another reason. They defeated Adil Nisar’s team in a Pool ‘A’ fixture by 74 runs almost two weeks ago with Yasir again indicating his likeness for Wapda’s bowling with a knock of 112.

Wapda were convincing during their 146-run victory over KRL in the first semifinal at Lahore on Wednesday with Adil Nisar and Aamir Sajjad striking scintillating centuries despite the presence of Shoaib Akhtar in the opposing camp.

PIA, meanwhile, defeated Pakistan Customs on Thursday by five wickets in the other semifinal.

For a team that was depleted because of national duty, PIA had shown the grit and determination that even without top players they are formidable enough to win top honours.

After being declared joint champions of the Patron’s Trophy, the only championship to elude them in their glittering history before this season, PIA are more than eager to clinch Patron’s Cup in emphatic style come Saturday.

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