The Panthers powered their way to the final of the Champions One-Day Cup with a dominant seven-wicket victory over the Markhors in the Qualifier at the Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, on Tuesday. The Panthers successfully chased down a modest target of 138 in just 23.4 overs, ensuring their spot in the final, while the Markhors will have another chance to qualify as they face the winner of the first Eliminator on 27 September.
Saim Ayub was the star of the match, both with the ball and the bat. He delivered a stunning bowling performance, picking up a maiden five-wicket haul with figures of 5-24 in six overs, completely dismantling the Markhors’ batting lineup. Mohammad Hasnain also played a key role, taking 3-25 in nine overs, increasing his tournament wicket tally to 14.
The Markhors struggled right from the start after opting to bat first. Ali Raza struck early, dismissing Haseebullah in just the second over of the innings. Hasnain followed up with a devastating spell, removing both Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Rizwan in consecutive deliveries before also accounting for Fakhar Zaman in the seventh over. At 25-4, the Markhors were in deep trouble.
A much-needed partnership of 77 runs between Salman Ali Agha and Iftikhar Ahmed helped the Markhors recover temporarily. Iftikhar scored 39 off 61 balls, including three fours and one six, while Salman anchored the innings with a patient 52 off 81 balls, hitting four boundaries and a six. However, once Iftikhar was run out, the Markhors collapsed, losing their last five wickets for just 27 runs and being bowled out for 137 in 36 overs.
In response, the Panthers’ chase was steady and assured. Saim Ayub, fresh from his success with the ball, contributed with 33 off 36 balls, striking six boundaries. He shared a 50-run second-wicket partnership with Umar Siddiq (35 off 52 balls), setting the platform for the chase. However, it was Usman Khan who sealed the win in style. Batting at number four, Usman blasted an unbeaten 54 off just 26 balls, smashing five boundaries and four massive sixes, as the Panthers cruised to 143-3 in 23.4 overs. Usman’s innings also propelled him to the top of the tournament’s run-scoring chart with 259 runs.
For the Markhors, Akif Javed, Salman Ali Agha, and Zahid Mehmood picked up a wicket each, but it was not enough to stop the Panthers’ charge to the final.
Scores in Brief:
- Markhors: 137 all out in 36 overs
(Salman Ali Agha 52, Iftikhar Ahmed 39; Saim Ayub 5-24, Mohammad Hasnain 3-25, Ali Raza 1-29) - Panthers: 143-3 in 23.4 overs
(Usman Khan 54, Umar Siddiq 35, Saim Ayub 33; Akif Javed 1-20, Salman Ali Agha 1-24)*
Player of the Match: Saim Ayub (Panthers)
Next Fixture:
Eliminator 1 – 25 September: Stallions vs Lions, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, at 3 PM (local time).
Leave a Reply