FAISALABAD: The Panthers clinched their spot in the Champions One-Day Cup final with a commanding 7-wicket victory over the Markhors in Qualifier 1 at Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium on Tuesday.
Under the leadership of Shadab Khan, the Panthers chased down the target of 138 runs in just 23.4 overs. Usman Khan was the standout performer, smashing an unbeaten 54 off only 26 balls, with 5 fours and 4 sixes, boasting a remarkable strike rate of 207.69.
Saim Ayub set a solid foundation at the top of the order, scoring 33 runs from 36 balls before being trapped lbw by Zahid Mahmood. Azan Awais contributed 13 runs but was caught by Salman Ali Agha off the bowling of Akif Javed. Umar Siddiq added 35 runs from 52 balls, helping maintain momentum before being caught by Iftikhar Ahmed off Salman’s delivery. Usman Khan then took charge, leading the Panthers to a comfortable win, with Rizwan Mehmood supporting him with an unbeaten 5 runs.
Earlier, the Panthers bowled the Markhors out for just 137 runs in 36 overs, thanks to impressive bowling performances from Mohammad Hasnain and Saim Ayub. The Markhors struggled from the outset, losing wickets regularly.
Their innings got off to a rocky start with Haseebullah Khan dismissed for just 3 runs, caught behind by Usman off Ali Raza in the second over. Fakhar Zaman followed soon after, managing only 11 runs before falling to Hasnain, again caught behind.
Kamran Ghulam had a disappointing outing, scoring just 1 run before being trapped lbw by Hasnain. Captain Mohammad Rizwan faced only one delivery before being dismissed for a duck, leaving the team in a dire situation at 10 for 3.
Salman Ghulam managed to stabilize the innings with a commendable 52 runs off 81 balls, including four boundaries and one six, but was eventually caught by Shadab Khan off Ayub’s bowling. Iftikhar Ahmed provided some support with 39 runs from 61 balls before being run out by Amad Butt, as the team continued to lose wickets rapidly. Abdul Samad (2), Naseem Shah (14), and Zahid Mahmood (5) fell cheaply to Ayub.
Ayub wrapped up the Markhors’ innings by bowling out Shahanawaz Dahani, leaving them all out at 137 runs. Ayub finished as the top bowler with five wickets, while Hasnain claimed three.
Markhors will now face the winner of the Lions versus Stallions match on September 27, while the Panthers will enjoy a five-day break before competing in the final on September 29.
