Panthers reach Champions Cup final

Shadab's side chase down the target of 138 in just 23.4 overs

The UMT Panthers have secured their spot in the Champions One-Day Cup final after a commanding seven-wicket victory over the Markhors in Qualifier 1, held at Faisalabad's Iqbal Stadium. Shadab Khan's side comfortably chased down the target of 138 in just 23.4 overs, thanks to a blistering unbeaten 54 from Usman Khan.

Usman's innings, featuring five fours and four sixes at a strike rate of 207.69, was the highlight of the match, as he steered the Panthers to a comprehensive win. Earlier, opener Saim Ayub laid a solid foundation, scoring 33 from 36 balls, before being trapped lbw by Zahid Mahmood. Although Azan Awais got off to a good start, he was caught by Salman Ali Agha for 13 off Akif Javed's bowling. Umar Siddiq contributed a steady 35 from 52 balls before falling to Salman. Usman Khan then took control, dominating the Markhors' bowlers and leading his team to victory, with Rizwan Mehmood chipping in with a five-run cameo.

Earlier in the day, the Panthers bowled out the Markhors for just 137 in 36 overs, thanks to superb bowling performances from Mohammad Hasnain and Saim Ayub. The Markhors never recovered after losing early wickets, as Haseebullah Khan was dismissed for just three runs in the second over by Ali Raza. Fakhar Zaman (11) and Kamran Ghulam (1) followed shortly after, both falling to Hasnain.

Captain Mohammad Rizwan's duck further deepened the Markhors' woes, leaving them reeling at 10 for 3. Salman Ali Agha, however, provided some resistance with a determined 52 off 81 balls, including four boundaries and one six, but his efforts were not enough. He was eventually caught by Shadab Khan off Saim Ayub's bowling. Iftikhar Ahmed contributed 39 from 61 balls before being run out by Amad Butt, but the lower order collapsed, with Abdul Samad (2), Naseem Shah (14), and Zahid Mahmood (5) falling cheaply to Ayub's clever bowling. Ayub claimed five wickets in total, while Hasnain picked up three.