Shaheen’s seven-for seals Champions Cup title

Pakistan’s ace-pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed 7-36, including a hat-trick, to lead Pakistan Gold to a 101-run victory over Pakistan Greens in  a one-sided final of the National Champions Cup at Multan Cricket Stadium on Tuesday night.

Chasing 341, Greens were well placed at 143-1 before collapsing to 239 all out in 37.3 overs, with Shaheen bagging incredible figures from 8.3 overs.

The Pakistan ODI captain struck three times in the 27th over before returning in the 38th to complete his hat-trick, removing Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza and Mohammad Hasnain with the first three balls of the over.

The figures were Shaheen’s best in List A cricket and his fourth five-wicket haul in the format. He also became the 19th bowler to claim a List A hat-trick in Pakistan.

Greens had made a brisk start, with Fakhar Zaman scoring 31 from 28 balls before falling to off-spinner Mubasir Khan. Saad Baig then made 67 from 51 balls and Omair Bin Yousuf added 44 as the pair put on 90 for the second wicket.

But the chase unravelled after their dismissals. Faheem Ashraf, unbeaten on 38, and Naseem Shah, who made 31, briefly revived Greens with a 61-run stand before Shaheen ended the partnership.

Earlier, Pakistan Gold posted 340 after being put in to bat, powered by centuries from Shamyl Hussain and Saad Khan.

Shamyl struck 111 from 93 balls, including 11 fours and four sixes, while Saad made 112 from 102 balls with 11 fours and four sixes. The pair shared 137 runs for the second wicket to put Gold firmly in control.

Shamyl reached his century with consecutive sixes off Mohammad Hasnain before being dismissed for 111. Saad followed after reaching his second List A hundred.

Muhammad Akhlaq contributed 31, while Abdul Samad and Mubasir Khan added 25 and 21 respectively as Gold passed 300 and set up a daunting target.

Shaheen was named player of the match and also finished as the tournament’s leading bowler with 13 wickets. Fakhar Zaman was named best batter and player of the tournament after scoring 260 runs, while Saad Baig was the leading wicket-keeper with 170 runs and five dismissals.

Pakistan Gold’s victory capped a seven-match tournament in which Greens had earlier beaten Gold by 128 runs in the league stage before Gold turned the tables in the final.

Scores: Pakistan Gold 340 all out, 50 overs (Saad Khan 112, Shamyl Hussain 111; Faheem Ashraf 2-40, Shadab Khan 2-45, Naseem Shah 2-59).

Pakistan Greens 239 all out, 37.3 overs (Saad Baig 67, Omair Bin Yousuf 44, Faheem Ashraf 38 not out, Naseem Shah 31; Shaheen Shah Afridi 7-36).