Pakistan Customs brightened their chances of reaching the final of the Patron's Trophy Grade I tournament after posting a mammoth 425 in their first innings in reply to Allied Bank's first innings' total of 146. They now have to finish the game in a perfect manner to ensure themselves a maximum of 12 points in the match, which will take their point's tally to 40.

However, they will have to wait for the result of two other matches of this round before booking a place for the Final. Their eyes must be set on the outcome of Habib Bank-Wapda and National Bank-Agricultural Bank encounters, as both these teams are in front of Customs on point's table.

It is heartening for them to know that Habib Bank, after being bundled out for 174 in their second innings, have left Wapda with a highly achievable target of 119 to win the match, and thus get stuck on 37 points at the end of round robin league of matches.

As for the second match being played in Sialkot, the proceedings must be very much in accordance with the Customs' liking. National Bank, after doing well to restrict Agricultural Bank to 240 in their first innings, have got themselves into a bit of trouble after conceding a nine-run first innings lead. They now have to win the match in order to move ahead in the point's table, otherwise like HBL, they will be left stranded on 36 points at the end of this round.

In the fourth match of this round, being played at the KRL Stadium, Rawalpindi, Khan Research Laboratories are fighting tooth and nail against Pakistan International Airlines to avoid relegation.

Having scored 295 in their first innings, KRL have reduced the opposition to 177 for 6 at lunch on the third day. They now have to claim four more PIA wickets to get vital first innings lead. It must be remembered that there is a `do or die' situation for both teams contesting this match, as the losing side will end up being relegated to the Grade II version of Patron's Trophy the next year.

However, these are all speculations. Which two teams qualify for the final, which will start from the 7th of April, will be clear in two day's time.

© CricInfo