KARACHI, Sept 16: Maintaining their ascendancy, defending champions Punjab inflicted a 66-64 defeat on hosts Sindh Whites in an exciting final to retain their title in the third Inter-provincial basketball championship at Arambagh floodlit court here on Sunday evening.

The clash for supremacy was fought on even kneels and had many anxious moments.

The triumph also helped Punjab avenge their defeat they had tasted at the hands of Sindh Whites in the last league match on Saturday.

Kashif Gill and Zahid were outstanding for Punjab with 22 and 21 points respectively with good support from Bilal (8) and Qamar Riaz (7).Ahad Javeri shone for Sindh Whites but his massive contributions of 24 points went in vain. Mohsin (11), Ali Ahmed (10) and Ali Ahmed (9) were the other contributors for the losing side.

Earlier, Sindh Greens carved out a convincing 96-71 victory over Balochistan in the third-place playoff.

Commissioner Karachi, Shoaib Siddiqui, who graced the final, gave away the prizes.

Meanwhile, a dinner was also held in honour of the participating teams and officials at the City Sports Complex.