NBP win despite Azhar's 103

National Bank coasted to a six-wicket win over Pakistan Customs in the Patron's Trophy Grade-I tie at Jinnah Stadium in Gujranwala Saturday.

A defiant knock of 103 from all-rounder Azhar Shafiq was not enough to save the defending champions from going to last season's runners-up, says a message here. National Bank, who were set a target of 147, were well served by Pakistan captain Waqar Younis who slammed 64 off 65 deliveries while batting at No 4.

Waqar and Akhtar Sarfraz (21 not out) added 63 for the fourth wicket after National Bank had lost three for 53. Earlier, Customs were able to muster another 70 before being all out for 309 with the left-handed Azhar Shafiq scoring 53 of them to complete a well-deserved century, having resumed at 53.

National Bank's target would have been much smaller had Azhar Shafiq not put on 53 for the last wicket with Tabish Nawab (7). Azhar batted for three minutes short of four hours and faced 180 deliveries. The chief destroyer on the final day was lanky international paceman Shabbir Ahmed three of the last four wickets. He finished with five for 72 in 23 overs.