Markhors dominated the Panthers, securing a massive 160-run victory in the opening match of the Champions One-Day Cup at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad.
Set a daunting target of 348 runs, the Panthers faltered early and were bowled out for 187.
The Markhors had posted an impressive 347/6, led by Kamran Ghulam’s seventh List A century (115 off 102 balls) and key contributions from Iftikhar Ahmed, who remained unbeaten on 57. After a strong 133-run partnership between Ghulam and captain Mohammad Rizwan (45), the Markhors piled on runs, with Abdul Samad smashing a brisk 62.
In response, the Panthers’ chase crumbled as Naseem Shah dismantled their top order, dismissing opener Abdul Wahid Bangalzai for just four runs. Fellow opener Saim Ayub (20) followed, and wickets continued to fall swiftly. Naseem took three wickets, while Akif Javed and Shahnawaz Dahani also chipped in with key dismissals.
Despite a late fightback by Amad Butt, who top-scored with 72 off 84 balls, the Panthers were unable to recover from their early collapse and were all out in the 34th over.
Markhors’ win was a clinical display of both batting and bowling, while the Panthers struggled throughout the match, unable to mount a significant challenge.
