The Markhors claimed a dominant 160-run victory over the Panthers in the opening game of the Champions One-Day Cup, thanks to Naseem Shah’s excellent bowling performance and Kamran Ghulam’s century.
Panthers won the toss and chose to field first, sending Mohammad Rizwan’s Markhors in to bat. Kamran Ghulam’s impressive knock of 115 from 102 balls laid the foundation for a massive total of 347 for 6. Despite some early breakthroughs by the Panthers’ bowlers, including offspinner Mubasir Khan, who took 2 for 36, the Markhors managed to build momentum. Abdul Samad added a quickfire 62 from just 25 balls, propelling the total to a challenging score.
In response, the Panthers struggled from the start. Naseem Shah’s fiery spell of 3 for 27, supported by Shahnawaz Dahani, tore through their top order, leaving them reeling at 52 for 6. Amad Butt provided a late fightback with a gritty 72, but it wasn’t enough to rescue the innings. The Panthers were bowled out for 187, handing the Markhors a convincing 160-run win.
The match, held in Faisalabad, attracted a decent crowd, especially as the afternoon heat subsided. The Panthers briefly showed resistance with half-century partnerships between Amad, Mubasir Khan, and Usama Mir, but by then, the outcome was already decided.
This victory marks an emphatic start for the Markhors in the Champions One-Day Cup, with their balanced performance in both batting and bowling standing out.
