KARACHI, Feb 18: A fine undefeated century from experienced Aamir Sajjad enabled Punjab make a strong start against defending champions Sindh on the opening day of the five-day Faysal Bank Pentangular Cup final at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday.

After Taufiq Umar, leading Punjab in his first match after featuring in the 3-0 whitewash of England in the recent Test series, chose to bat first after winning the toss, Punjab reached 266 for three at draw of stumps with Aamir hitting a patient 119 off 270 balls with 14 boundaries.

Aamir, who celebrated his 31st birthday on Feb 5, justified his inclusion for the first time in this edition in a big way as he was involved into 100-plus partnerships with Taufiq and the in-form Usman Salahuddin who both scored half centuries.

The left-handed Taufiq made 51 from 93 balls wit the aid of seven boundaries before being dismissed by leg-spinner Danish Kaneria, who was cleared to skipper Sindh after being named in a British court on Friday as being involved in a spot-fixing scam that led to his former Essex team-mate Mervyn Westfield being jailed.

The second-wicket stand between Taufiq and Aamir yielded 102 runs. Usman, arriving to the crease in a rich vein of form having scored centuries in previous three successive games, added 116 for the third wicket with Aamir before Kaneria bowled him for 57, a 141-ball innings which contained five fours.

Ayub Dogar then helped Aamir, who has now struck 12 centuries in 94 first-class matches, safely negotiate the final 13 overs of the day to complete a good day for the home team.