Former Pakistan captain Salim Malik continued his Cinderella run with the willow when he slammed another half century for Habib Bank in the 17th National One-day Championship at the UBL Sports Complex on Pakistan Day.

Malik followed up his 42 not out, 16 and 138 in the three earlier matches with another elegant knock of 77 that helped the bankers post an impressive 328 for nine from their allotted 50 overs.

And though Karachi Blues opener Suleman Huda slammed an undefeated 106, his efforts were not enough to carry the home team to victory. Blues ended up at 252 for four.

Habib Bank's 76-run victory assisted them to maintain their unbeaten record in Pool A and thus emerge as Pool leaders. For Karachi Blues, it was their first defeat but it didn't affect its position in the tournament.

While Habib Bank join PIA, WAPDA and Allied Bank for the final round starting from Thursday, Karachi Blues stay in their city along with ADBP, KRL and National Bank.

Malik, whose bank team was put into bat, struck eight graceful boundaries and a six in his 76-ball innings. But the star batsman was not the only beneficiary from some friendly Karachi Blues bowling.

Two discarded Pakistan players also got themselves among runs with some handsome stroke-play.

Opener Salim Elahi raced to a 58-ball 68 with 10 boundaries before he was bowled by Zafar Jadoon while Mujahid Jamsheed struck six boundaries in his 80-ball 75 before being adjudged leg before to Irfanullah.

Elahi shared in a 82-run second wicket stand with Shakeel Ahmad (27) in 74 balls. But Habib Bank's innings really flourished when Salim Malik and Mujahid Jamsheed added 135 runs for the fourth wicket in 128 balls.

Only Arif Mahmood and Zafar Jadoon bowled well as others remained below-par. Nizamuddin was hit all over the park as his five overs yielded 61 runs but included the prized scalp of Shahid Afridi.

Karachi Blues, in their target chase, never posed any threats to the bankers whose bowlers were more disciplined and accurate.

But credit cannot be taken away from Suleman Huda who showed more maturity and determination in scoring 106 from 139 balls. His innings included nine boundaries and a six.

Huda, later adjudged Man-of-the-Match, put on 85 runs for the third wicket in 78 balls with Basit Ali. Basit scored 46 from 47 balls with five fours.