Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad: Naseem Shah’s exceptional bowling performance, taking 3 wickets for 27 runs, and Kamran Ghulam’s explosive 115 off 102 balls guided the Markhors to a convincing 160-run win over the Panthers in the opening match of the Champions One-Day Cup on Thursday.
Panthers’ Innings
Chasing a daunting target of 348 runs, the Panthers were dismissed for 187 in just 35 overs. The only notable resistance came from all-rounder Amad Butt, who scored 72 off 84 balls, hitting nine boundaries and three sixes before being dismissed by Zahid Mahmood. Mubasir Khan (33 off 31), Usama Mir (21 off 20), and Saim Ayub (20 off 14) also contributed, but the rest of the lineup struggled. Abdul Bangalzai (4), Azan Awais (1), Usman Khan (8), Haider Ali (2), Shadab Khan (4), and Mohammad Hasnain (2) failed to make significant impacts with the bat, while Mohammad Zeeshan remained unbeaten on 1 off 5 balls.
For the Markhors, Naseem Shah’s 3-27 was the highlight, supported by Akif Javed’s 3-43 and Shahnawaz Dahani’s 2-29. Zahid Mahmood added a wicket to his tally, while Iftikhar Ahmed went wicketless but kept the runs in check with 0-22.
Markhors’ Innings
Sent in to bat, the Markhors began cautiously, losing their first wicket at 38 when Fakhar Zaman (17 off 29) fell to Mubasir Khan. Kamran Ghulam then anchored a pivotal 133-run partnership with captain Mohammad Rizwan. Ghulam’s innings, including 12 boundaries and three sixes, was key to setting a formidable target before being dismissed for 115 by Hasnain. Rizwan contributed a steady 45 off 57 balls, hitting three sixes, before also falling to Hasnain.
Abdul Samad dazzled with a rapid 62 off 25 balls, including four boundaries and six sixes. Iftikhar Ahmed provided a solid finish with an unbeaten 57 off 44 balls, while Mohammad Faizan added a useful 34 off 37. Salman Agha was out for just 1 run, and Naseem Shah remained unbeaten.
For the Panthers, Mubasir Khan (2-46) and Mohammad Hasnain (2-61) were the pick of the bowlers, with Mohammad Zeeshan (1-41) also taking a wicket. Amad Butt (1-89) was expensive, and Usama Mir’s 10-over spell saw him concede 89 runs without claiming a wicket. Shadab Khan also failed to take a wicket.
Toss
The Panthers chose to bowl first.
Player of the Match
Kamran Ghulam was awarded Player of the Match for his stellar century.
The next game in the tournament features the Shaheen Shah-led Lions against the Saud Shakeel-inspired Dolphins on Friday.
