ISLAMABAD - Islamabad carves out a sensational and nail-biting 13-12 victory against Punjab in a low-scoring match on the opening day of the 16th National Women's Basketball Championship here at Hamidi Hall, Pakistan Sports Complex on Friday.

Higher Education Commission (HEC), one of the strong favourites of the tournament, proved too good for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as they won 56-12 in the second match of the day.
Inter-Provincial Coordination Ministry's Federal Secretary Anis-ul-Hasnain Mousavi was the chief guest at the opening ceremony. Although the Islamabad-Punjab match produced just 25 points, but provided great excitement to the capacity crowd. Both the teams struggled to find the basket throughout the game, as first two quarters produced total 12 points, seven points from Punjab and five from Islamabad, same pattern continued in remaining quarters. Islamabad edged one point ahead through a free throw at the dying moments from the final whistle and they just need to defend stoutly in last minute but they committed foul and that gave Punjab the chance to level things at 10-10. Five extra minutes were awarded to decide the winner and the two outfits struggle to find the basket. Islamabad managed to find the basket at the crucial moment, thus edging out Punjab 13-12 to register a nail-biting victory.