Fakhar Zaman Century Powers Greens to 128-Run Victory

MULTAN: (Sports Desk) – Fakhar Zaman smashed a commanding century before Pakistan Greens’ bowlers produced a clinical performance to dismiss Pakistan Gold for 186, securing a 128-run victory in the fourth match of the National Champions Cup at Multan Cricket Stadium on Friday.

After opting to bat first, Pakistan Greens posted 314 all out in 50 overs, with Fakhar leading the charge with 115 off 105 balls. Omair Yousuf and Shadab Khan also made valuable contributions as Greens built a formidable total.

Pakistan Greens suffered an early blow when Sameer Minhas was bowled by Abdul Subhan for one, leaving the side at 6-1. Fakhar then joined Omair and the pair launched a powerful recovery, adding 181 runs for the second wicket.

The partnership ended when Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed Omair for 74 off 73 balls. His innings featured nine fours and a six.

Fakhar continued his aggressive approach and reached his century from just 83 balls. He eventually departed for 115 off 105 deliveries, having struck seven fours and four sixes, after being caught by Kamran Ghulam off Faisal Akram.

Greens briefly lost their momentum as Fakhar, Omair and Saad Baig fell in quick succession, reducing the score to 208-4. Farhan Yousaf and Shadab Khan then rebuilt the innings, with Farhan contributing 40 off 37 balls and Shadab striking a valuable 61 from 51 deliveries.

Shadab’s innings included four fours and two sixes as Greens crossed 250 in the 41st over and reached the 300 mark in the 47th. A late collapse saw them lose their remaining wickets, but they still finished with a strong 314.

For Pakistan Gold, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Abdul Subhan claimed three wickets apiece. Shaheen returned figures of 3-47 from 10 overs, while Subhan took 3-55 in eight overs.

In reply, Pakistan Gold started positively, with Shamyl Hussain providing the early impetus. Muhammad Akhlaq, however, was dismissed for four with the score at 52.

Shamyl went on to complete his half-century from 36 balls and top-scored with 53 off 40 deliveries, including six fours and two sixes. His dismissal by Shadab at 74-2 triggered a steady collapse.

Kamran Ghulam made 26 from 42 balls before falling to Fakhar, while Haider Ali and Abdul Samad added 30 and 20 respectively. Gold slipped to 148-6 and struggled to recover.

Mohammad Hasnain then ripped through the lower order, taking three wickets as Gold slumped from 144-5 to 170-9. Mehran Mumtaz also made a significant contribution with two wickets, including Haider Ali and a stumping of Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Mohammad Imran Randhawa resisted with 19 off 33 balls but was eventually caught by Faheem Ashraf off Omair Yousuf, bringing the innings to an end at 186 in exactly 37 overs.

The comprehensive result handed Pakistan Greens a 128-run victory, with Fakhar’s century providing the foundation before an impressive collective bowling effort completed the job.

Brief Scores

Pakistan Greens: 314 all out in 50 overs

Pakistan Gold: 186 all out in 37 overs
Shamyl Hussain 53, Haider Ali 30, Kamran Ghulam 26; Mohammad Hasnain 3-32, Mehran Mumtaz 2-32.

Result: Pakistan Greens won by 128 runs.