The Panthers defeated the Markhors by a convincing five-wicket margin to take out the inaugural version of the Champions One-Day Cup on September 29, 2024, at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad. The Panthers, spearheaded by skipper Shadab Khan, chased down a relatively modest target of 123 in just 18 overs after restricting the Markhors to 122 runs for the loss of all wickets within 33.4 overs.
Markhors got off to a bad start as they chose to bat after winning the toss. The first casualty was Zain Abbas, who scored 6 runs when caught by Mohammad Hasnain. Some sparks were provided by Fakhar Zaman when he played a furious knock of 46 off 49 balls, hitting five boundaries and a six, but in the end, it was his downfall at the hands of Sajid Khan to leave the Markhors in trouble.
The entire top and middle order failed under pressure. The cheap dismissal of Kamran Ghulam for 2 runs and short-lived attempts by Haseebullah Khan (27) and Bismillah Khan (16) were to stabilize the innings as both fell to the bowling attack of Sajid Khan and Arafat Minhas.
Skipper Iftikhar Ahmed was supposed to win the match for Markhors, but he fell for just 3 runs to further worsen their plight. The lower order didn’t contribute much with only one player coming out not out on 7. Zahid Mahmood at that, and Akif Javed managed 8 quick runs before the tail matched his collapse.
Hasnain and Minhas were the bowling pick of the match with each taking three wickets, while Sajid Khan chipped in with two crucial dismissals that restricted Markhors to a below-par total.
The Panthers replied with reasonable positivity despite a few cramps in their pursuit. Umar Siddiq provided a calm start and was eventually bowled by Shahnawaz Dahani for 19 of 21 balls. The opening partner Abdul Bangalzai scored a composed 41 of 43 balls while keeping the Panthers in line. He was losing his wicket to Bismillah Khan as he was behind Mohammad Imran’s bowling.
Additions from Sajid Khan and Usman Khan with 15 and 13 runs respectively ensured that the skipper Shadab Khan finished off with a quickfire 14 off 9 balls, inclusive of a boundary and a six to seal the victory. Rizwan Mehmood, who remained unbeaten on 16, played an important role in staying steady with the chase and taking it closer to the end despite falling wickets and quick ones at that, including Haider Ali, who went for a duck.
Shadab and Rizwan finished off the game, leaving the Panthers 12 balls to achieve the target and win their first-ever Champions One-Day Cup.
The Panthers in the match were impressive with their bowling at the helm of Hasnain and Minhas and thereafter a steady chase that won them the trophy without a moment of drama.
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