Panthers defeat Markhors to clinch Champions One-Day Cup

The Pakistan domestic tournament, the Champions One-Day Cup, finally came to a close, and the competition ended in ecstasy for Panthers, whereas it was heartbreak for Markhors. The summit clash of the tournament saw both sides face off at the Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, on September 29.

The game began with Markhors batting first and the side opened with Zain Abbas and Fakhar Zaman scoring six and 46 runs, respectively. Kamran Ghulam added two runs on the board, with Haseebullah Khan scoring 27 runs in 48 deliveries. The Panthers put in a good showing, limiting Markhors in the first innings.

Bismillah Khan was sent packing for 16 runs, and none of the other batters crossed the 10-run mark as Markhors managed to post a total of 122 runs in the first innings. As for the Panthers, Mohammad Hasnain and Arafat Minhas were the highest wicket takers for their side, with three wickets each to their name. Sajid Khan took two wickets, with Ali Raza and Shadab Khan taking one wicket each.

Panthers chase down target with ease

Aiming to chase down the target of 123 runs, Panthers opened their innings with Umar Siddiq and Abdul Bangalzai scoring 19 and 41 runs, respectively. Sajid Khan and Usman Khan added 15 and 13 runs, respectively, with Rizwan Mehmood staying unbeaten on a score of 16 runs. 

Furthermore, Shadab Khan added 14* runs on the board as Panthers chased down the target in just 18 overs, winning the game by five wickets and clinching the title. As for Markhors, Mohammad Imran and Akif Javed were the highest wicket takers in the second innings with two wickets each. Shahnawaz Dahani took one wicket as well. 

Sajid Khan won the Player of the Match award for his knock of 15 runs and his performance in the first innings where he took two wickets, conceded 24 runs, and took two catches as well.