Markhors Dominate Panthers by 160 Runs in Champions One-Day Cup Opener
Markhors Dominate Panthers by 160 Runs in Champions One-Day Cup Opener: The University of Management and Technology (UMT) Markhors kicked off their campaign in style, securing a commanding 160-run victory over the Lake City Panthers in the opening match of the Bahria Town Champions One-Day Cup at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, on Thursday.
Chasing a daunting target of 348, the Panthers crumbled under the pressure, finishing the first powerplay at 52-6. The Markhors’ bowlers came out firing, with Naseem Shah leading the attack, taking three wickets in a fiery spell. Akif Javed chipped in with two crucial wickets, while Abdul Samad showcased his fielding prowess with a stunning run-out. Saim Ayub was the only top-order batter to reach double figures with a brisk 20 off 15 balls, which included three boundaries and a six.
Lower-order resilience came from Amad Butt, who scored a fighting 72 off 84 balls, featuring nine fours and three sixes. He formed two notable partnerships, adding 59 runs for the seventh wicket with Mubasir Khan (33 off 31 balls, 4x4s, 1×6) and another 59 for the eighth wicket with Usama Mir (21 off 20 balls, 1×4, 1×6). However, their efforts were not enough to avert the collapse, and the Panthers were bundled out for 187 in 34.5 overs.
For the Markhors, Naseem and Akif both picked up three wickets, while Shahnawaz Dahani claimed two scalps. Zahid Mehmood managed to dismiss the top-scorer, Amad Butt, to cap off a solid all-around performance.
Earlier, opting to bat first, the Markhors laid a solid foundation with openers Fakhar Zaman (17 off 29 balls, 1×4, 1×6) and Mohammad Faizan (34 off 37 balls, 6x4s) putting up 38 runs for the first wicket. However, both fell within the first 14 overs to Mubasir Khan and Mohammad Zeeshan, respectively. At 64-2, Kamran Ghulam (115 off 102 balls, 12x4s, 3x6s) partnered with Mohammad Rizwan (45 off 57 balls) to anchor the innings with a 133-run stand for the third wicket.
Rizwan departed in the 34th over, but Kamran continued his brilliant form, reaching his 7th List-A century in the 40th over. The fireworks began in the final ten overs as the Markhors smashed 107 runs, largely due to a blistering half-century from Abdul Samad (62 off 25 balls, 4x4s, 6x6s) and a steady 57 not out from Iftikhar Ahmed (44 balls, 7x4s, 1×6), pushing the total to a formidable 347-6 in 50 overs.
Among the Panthers’ bowlers, Mubasir Khan and Mohammad Hasnain picked up two wickets each, while Amad Butt and Mohammad Zeeshan claimed one apiece.
Scores in brief:
- UMT Markhors: 347-6 in 50 overs (Kamran Ghulam 115, Abdul Samad 62, Iftikhar Ahmed 57 not out, Mohammad Rizwan 45; Mubasir Khan 2-36, Mohammad Hasnain 2-61)
- Lake City Panthers: 187 all out in 34.5 overs (Amad Butt 72, Mubasir Khan 33; Naseem Shah 3-27, Akif Javed 3-43, Shahnawaz Dahani 2-29, Zahid Mahmood 1-50)
Player of the Match: Kamran Ghulam (UMT Markhors)
