The Markhors stamped their authority in the opening match of the Champions One-Day Cup, thrashing the Panthers by a massive 160 runs at Iqbal Stadium. A stunning century by Kamran Ghulam and a collective bowling effort, led by Naseem Shah and Akif Javed, powered the Markhors to an emphatic victory.
The Markhors set the tone of the match with an imposing total of 347-6 in their 50 overs, courtesy of a masterclass from Kamran Ghulam, who top-scored with 115 off 102 balls. The middle-order provided further fireworks, with Abdul Samad’s blistering half-century (62 off 25 balls) and Iftikhar Ahmed’s composed 57 not out from 44 deliveries, taking the team to a formidable total. The Panthers, in reply, struggled from the start and were bowled out for just 187 in 34.5 overs, handing the Markhors a convincing 160-run victory.
After being asked to bat first, the Markhors built their innings on a steady 38-run opening stand between Fakhar Zaman (17) and Mohammad Faizan (34). Despite losing both openers within the first 14 overs, Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Rizwan (45) put on a commanding 133-run third-wicket partnership that steadied the ship for the Markhors. Kamran’s knock was the highlight of the innings as he played with fluency, smashing 12 fours and 3 sixes to register his 7th List-A century off just 88 balls.
The Markhors piled on 107 runs in the last 10 overs of their innings, thanks to Abdul Samad’s explosive 62 off 25 balls, which featured 4 boundaries and 6 sixes. Iftikhar Ahmed’s unbeaten 57 further bolstered the total as he struck 7 fours and a six, helping his side reach an imposing 347-6 by the end of 50 overs. Mubasir Khan (2-36) and Mohammad Hasnain (2-61) were the pick of the bowlers for the Panthers, but the rest struggled to contain the onslaught.
Chasing 348, the Panthers endured a disastrous start, losing six wickets for just 52 runs inside the first powerplay. Naseem Shah (3-27) and Akif Javed (3-43) tore through the Panthers’ top order, with Abdul Samad chipping in with a brilliant run-out. The only resistance in the top order came from Saim Ayub, who managed a quickfire 20 off 15 balls, including 3 boundaries and a six.
Batting at number eight, Amad Butt fought valiantly with a 72-run knock off 84 balls, hitting 9 fours and 3 sixes. He built two important partnerships—first a 59-run stand with Mubasir Khan (33 off 31 balls) for the seventh wicket, followed by another 59-run partnership with Usama Mir (21 off 20 balls). However, their efforts were in vain as the Panthers fell well short, being bowled out for 187 in 34.5 overs.
Naseem Shah and Akif Javed both claimed three wickets each, while Shahnawaz Dahani contributed with two scalps (2-29). Zahid Mehmood chipped in with the key wicket of Amad Butt to cap off a dominant bowling display by the Markhors, sealing a comprehensive win.
Player of the Match:
Kamran Ghulam’s fantastic century, which set the platform for the Markhors’ big total, earned him the Player of the Match award. His 115-run knock was pivotal in ensuring that the Markhors started their campaign with a convincing win.
Scores in Brief:
- Markhors: 347-6 in 50 overs (Kamran Ghulam 115, Abdul Samad 62, Iftikhar Ahmed 57*; Mubasir Khan 2-36, Mohammad Hasnain 2-61)
- Panthers: 187 all out in 34.5 overs (Amad Butt 72, Mubasir Khan 33; Naseem Shah 3-27, Akif Javed 3-43, Shahnawaz Dahani 2-29)
Result: Markhors won by 160 runs.
Tomorrow’s Fixture: Stallions vs Lions at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad (3pm local time).
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