Ghulam Ali and Sohail Jaffer of Pakistan International Airlines set up a new first-class record for highest opening partnership when they thrashed 326 in their allotted 50 overs in the first match of the National One-day tournament against Agricultural Bank.

The previous best in Pakistan's domestic cricket was 297 by National Bank's Sajid Ali and Shahid Anwar, made against Bahawalpur in Will Cups 1991-92.

Ghulam Ali and Sohail whipped the ADBP attack with sheer command and authority to remain unbeaten on respective scores of 155 and 153. Ghulam Ali faced 156 balls and hit 21 fours and 2 sixes, whereas Sohail Jaffer hit 17 fours during his knock of 149 balls.

ADBP, requiring a mammoth 327 to win at an average of 6.54, were not daunted by the enormity of the target. They started off in their run-chase in a positive manner, with Nadeem Hussain (71) and Ghaffar Kazmi (50) getting fine fifties.

They ended up on 274 for 9 in their allotted 50 overs, thus, losing the match by 52 runs.

In the second match of the day, Allied Bank pulled off an amazing 11-run victory against Wapda at Jinnah Stadium, Gujranwala.

After being bundled out for 134 in 48 overs, the Bankers struck back with force, restricting the opposition to 123 in 42 overs. Rashid Latif top scored for the Bankers with 58 off 95 ball, after pace man Sarfraz (5 for 19) had run riot in their top order.

In the third match of the day, National Bank vanquished Khan Research Laboratories by a margin of 8 wickets. Batting first after being put into bat by NBP, KRL batsmen failed to cope with some tidy bowling, to be all out for 95 in 29.5 overs.

Imran Javed took three wickets for 25, whereas Shabbir Ahmed and the leggie Mushtaq Ahmed grabbed two wickets each.

National Bank knocked off the required runs for the loss of just two wickets in 22.3 overs. Losing two early wickets, Shahid Anwar (55) and Qaisar Abbas (28) added an unbeaten 90 for the third wicket to ensure victory for their side.

The fourth match of the day, between Habib Bank and Customs, was washed out due to rain.

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