Faisalabad: Kamran Ghulam’s brilliant century, supported by half-centuries from Iftikhar Ahmed and Abdul Samad, helped the Markhors post an imposing 347-6 against the Panthers in the opening match of the Champions One-Day Cup on Thursday.
After being invited to bat first, Markhors lost both openers early, with 64 runs on the board by the 13.2 over. Kamran Ghulam then partnered with skipper Mohammad Rizwan, building a strong 133-run stand for the third wicket.
Ghulam played aggressively, attacking the Panthers’ bowlers, while Rizwan provided stability, scoring 45 off 57 balls before being dismissed by Mohammad Hasnain. Mubasir Khan then removed Salman Ali Agha in the next over, bringing Iftikhar Ahmed to the crease.
Ghulam continued his assault, adding 63 runs with Iftikhar for the fifth wicket. His entertaining knock ended when Hasnain caught him off Amad Butt, but not before he scored the first century of the tournament. Ghulam’s impressive innings of 115 came from 102 balls, featuring twelve boundaries and three sixes.
Abdul Samad joined Iftikhar and unleashed a flurry of boundaries, scoring 62 off just 25 balls, including four boundaries and six towering sixes. Iftikhar remained unbeaten with 57 from 44 balls, which included seven boundaries and a six, helping the Markhors reach a competitive total of 347-6 in 50 overs.
For the Panthers, Mubasir Khan and Mohammad Hasnain took two wickets each, while Amad Butt and Mohammad Zeeshan grabbed one each.
Playing XIs:
Panthers: Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Faizan, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan (c), Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Abdul Samad, Zahid Mahmood, Naseem Shah, Shahnawaz Dahani, Akif Javed.
Markhors: Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Abdul Wahid Bangalzai, Azan Awais, Haider Ali, Shadab Khan (c), Mubasir Khan, Amad Butt, Mohammad Hasnain, Usama Mir, Mohammad Zeeshan.
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