Panthers wins inaugural Champions Cup title outplaying Markhors

FAISALABAD: Panthers, led by Shadab Khan take home the maiden Champions One-Day Cup title after defeating the Markhors by 5 wickets at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad on Sunday.

Bowling first, the Panthers outclassed Iftikhar Ahmed-led Markhors sending the whole team back to the pavilion for 122 runs in just 33.4 overs.

Chasing the 123 runs mark, the Shadab-led side surpassed it easily in 18 overs with five wickets in hand to lift the inaugural trophy in the house-full Iqbal Stadium.

The Markhors after winning the toss opted to bat first, however, they failed to put up a competitive score. Zain Abbas faced an early departure on Muhammad Hasnain’s delivery, followed by Kamran Ghulam in the powerplay for just 26 runs.

Fakhar Zaman showed some resistance, scoring 46 off 49 deliveries, before getting caught by Rizwan Mehmood off Sajid Khan.

Haseebullah Khan and Bismillah Khan attempted to steady the innings, contributing 27 and 16 runs, respectively, but both fell before they could anchor the team. No other player including skipper Iftikhar Ahmed failed to score the two digital numbers.

For Panthers, Hasnain and Arafat Minhas took three each while Sajid took two scalps. Skipper Shadab Khan and Ali Raza claimed one wicket each.

In the second inning, the Panthers successfully chased down the target thanks to the contribution from Abdul Bangalzai, who scored a solid 41 off 43 deliveries, before being caught by wicketkeeper Bismillah Khan off Mohammad Imran.

Opener Umar Siddiq provided a steady start but was bowled by Shahnawaz Dahani after scoring 19 off 21 balls. Sajid Khan added 15 runs from 13 balls but was trapped lbw by Akif Javed, while Usman Khan chipped in with a brisk 13 off 8 balls before falling to Akif Javed, caught by Zain Abbas.