In a thrilling finale at the Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, the Panthers emerged victorious in the inaugural Champions One-Day Cup, defeating the Markhors by five wickets.
The Panthers, led by the astute Shadab Khan, chased down the Markhors' modest total of 123 runs in 18 overs. Earlier, the Markhors had struggled to build a substantial partnership, losing wickets at regular intervals.
Zain Abbas, the Markhors' opener, was dismissed early for 6 runs. Fakhar Zaman briefly rallied the innings with a 46-run knock, but his dismissal triggered a collapse. Kamran Ghulam, Haseebullah Khan, Bismillah Khan, and Iftikhar Ahmed all fell cheaply, leaving the Markhors reeling at 59/7. The lower order failed to provide the necessary support, and the Markhors were bowled out for 123 runs in 33.4 overs. Mohammad Hasnain, Arafat Minhas, and Sajid Khan were the pick of the Panthers' bowlers, claiming three wickets each.
In reply, the Panthers faced a few challenges during their chase. Umar Siddiq and Abdul Bangalzai got the innings off to a solid start, but their departures left the Panthers at 78/3. However, Rizwan Mehmood and Shadab Khan steadied the ship and ensured a comfortable victory for the Panthers. Rizwan remained unbeaten on 16, while Shadab contributed a crucial 14 runs.
Women's T20 WC to kick off on Oct 3
Group B kicks off the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 as Scotland become the 12th team to play in the tournament.
They face a burgeoning Bangladesh on 3 October before stern tests come against the only two teams other than Australia to have lifted the trophy in this format.
England won the first edition 15 years ago with the West Indies shocking the world in 2016 and the last member of the five-strong group South Africa will look to join them having made their maiden final appearance in 2023.
The original hosts of the 2024 edition, Bangladesh arrive in the UAE on the back of a sprinkling of fine results. The Tigers recorded only their third-ever T20I series win against Pakistan last year, with their spinners earning them two victories in the three-match series.
Spin is expected to be key in this World Cup, with captain Nigar Sultana Joty able to call on five spinners, including all-rounder Shorna Akter, who at 17 is a star for the future.
Meanwhile, England will hope to avoid adding to their run of two consecutive World Cups without reaching the final, their longest drought in the T20 competition.
The 2009 champions will see several players make their World Cup debuts with pace bowler Freya Kemp partnering Lauren Bell after the retirement of Katherine Sciver-Brunt.
Scotland have reached their first World Cup after beating Ireland in the final qualifiers earlier this year.
The lowest-ranked side in the competition are led by all-rounder Kathryn Bryce, with her sister Sarah as vice-captain.
Of the nine other teams in this World Cup, Scotland have only ever faced Bangladesh and Sri Lanka without registering a win.
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