Markhors secured a commanding 160-run victory over Shadab Khan's Panthers in the opening game of the Champions One-Day Cup, with a standout bowling performance by Naseem Shah.
After winning the toss, Panthers chose to field, putting Mohammad Rizwan’s Markhors to bat. Kamran Ghulam led the charge with a brilliant 115 off 102 balls, helping his team post a formidable 347 for 6. The Panthers' chase faltered early, as six of their top seven batters failed to reach double digits. Naseem’s fiery spell of 3-27 left the opposition in tatters at 52 for 6. Although Amad Butt showed some late resistance with a fighting 72, it was far from enough, and Markhors cruised to victory.
The match, held in Faisalabad, attracted a growing crowd as the day progressed. Early on, Panthers managed to keep the Markhors' batting lineup in check by dismissing Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Faizan before they could build momentum. Off-spinner Mubasir Khan delivered a notable performance, picking up 2 wickets for 36 runs, including the scalps of Zaman and Salman Ali Agha. However, most of the other bowlers struggled to contain the Markhors, who capitalised on the opportunity.
Shadab Khan had an off day with the ball and didn't return to complete his spell, while fellow leg-spinner Usama Mir endured a punishing spell, conceding 83 runs without taking a wicket. Abdul Samad's explosive knock of 62 from just 25 balls helped the Markhors finish strong, adding 83 runs in the last five overs to set a daunting target.
Naseem, along with Shahnawaz Dahani, quickly dashed any hopes of a Panthers' comeback. The pair’s combined 5 wickets for 56 runs dismantled the top order, and at one point, Panthers were on the brink of suffering the worst defeat in Pakistan List A history. Though Amad, with help from Mubasir and Usama, forged two half-century stands to prevent a complete collapse, the match had already been decided in the Markhors' favour.