The Panthers claimed the first-ever Champions One-Day Cup, defeating the Markhors by five wickets in a dominant performance at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad on Sunday.
After winning the toss, the Markhors elected to bat first but struggled to build momentum. Markhors opener Fakhar Zaman top-scored with 46 runs off 49 balls, while the rest of the team faltered under the pressure of the Panthers' disciplined bowling attack. Mohammad Hasnain led the charge with 3 wickets for 38 runs, while Arafat Minhas was devastating, taking 3 wickets for just 1 run in his spell.
The Markhors were bowled out for a meager total of 122 runs in 33.4 overs, as the Panthers’ bowlers applied relentless pressure. Sajid Khan also played a crucial role, grabbing two wickets for 24 runs.
In reply, the Panthers chased down the target in just 18 overs, with Abdul Bangalzai anchoring the innings with a solid 41 runs from 43 balls. Despite a few hiccups, including the dismissals of Sajid Khan (15) and Usman Khan (13), skipper Shadab Khan's unbeaten 14 runs off 9 balls helped the Panthers cruise to victory with five wickets in hand.
Markhors’ bowler Akif Javed picked up two wickets, while Mohammad Imran took two as well, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Panthers' strong batting lineup.
MATCH SUMMARY
Markhors: 122 all out (Fakhar Zaman 46, Mohammad Hasnain 3/38, Arafat Minhas 3/1)
Panthers: 123/5 (Abdul Bangalzai 41, Akif Javed 2/42)
