Usman Khan registered his maiden List A century, while Haider Ali and captain Shadab Khan contributed fifties, helping the Panthers set a challenging 329-run target for the Dolphins in the third match of the Champions One-Day Cup at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad.
The Panthers’ innings started on shaky ground, with openers Saim Ayub (6) and Abdul Bangalzai (5) falling early, both dismissed within the first five overs by Mir Hamza. Usman Khan took responsibility for steadying the innings after the quick dismissals. He partnered with Umar Siddiq to build a recovery. Siddiq managed to score 30 off 39 balls before being run out by Asif Ali, adding to the pressure on the Panthers.
The Dolphins struck again when Faheem Ashraf removed Mubasir Khan for just 5, leaving the Panthers struggling. However, Usman Khan and Haider Ali stepped up, anchoring the innings with a crucial 103-run partnership. Haider’s blistering knock of 63 came off just 46 balls and featured five fours and three sixes, injecting momentum into the Panthers’ innings.
Usman, meanwhile, reached his well-deserved century, bringing it up in 97 balls and displaying great composure throughout. At the tail end of the innings, captain Shadab Khan accelerated the scoring with a quickfire 65 off 45 balls, while Usama Mir added a valuable 22 from 13 deliveries. Despite losing wickets towards the end, the Panthers managed to post an imposing total of 328 before being bowled out in 49.4 overs.
For the Dolphins, Usman Qadir stood out as their most effective bowler, while Mir Hamza and Abbas Afridi also contributed by taking a wicket each.
Playing XIs:
Panthers: Saim Ayub, Abdul Bangalzai, Umar Siddiq, Usman Khan (wk), Mubasir Khan, Shadab Khan (c), Amad Butt, Usama Mir, Mohammad Hasnain, Ahmed Bashir.
Dolphins: Sahibzada Farhan, Muhammad Hurraira, Muhammad Akhlaq (wk), Saud Shakeel (c), Qasim Akram, Asif Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Abbas Afridi, Noman Ali, Usman Qadir, Mir Hamza.
With a solid total on the board, the Panthers now look to defend their score as the Dolphins prepare to chase 329.
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