The Markhors continued their winning streak in the Champions One-Day Cup, recording their third consecutive victory by defeating the Dolphins by 92 runs in the tournament’s sixth game at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, on Wednesday.
Chasing a target of 285, the Dolphins were bowled out for 192 in 43.5 overs, with skipper Mohammad Rizwan and his team dominating both with bat and ball.
Kamran Ghulam’s Century Leads Markhors’ Charge
After being sent in to bat, the Markhors posted a competitive total of 284/9 in 50 overs. Kamran Ghulam was the star of the innings, scoring a brilliant 113 off 110 balls, including 12 boundaries and 3 sixes. Despite losing early wickets, with Bismillah Khan and Mohammad Faizan falling cheaply, Ghulam anchored the innings, sharing crucial partnerships with the middle order.
Captain Mohammad Rizwan added 51 runs from 67 balls, while Salman Agha contributed 49 off 47 deliveries, further solidifying the total. Tailenders Zahid Mahmood (15*) and Akif Javed (6*) chipped in with valuable runs towards the end.
Dolphins’ Faheem Ashraf was the standout bowler, taking 4 wickets for 43 runs, while Mir Hamza claimed two.
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Dolphins’ Response Falters Under Pressure
In reply, the Dolphins’ chase faltered early as opener Muhammad Hurraira was dismissed for a duck. Sahibzada Farhan (24) and Saud Shakeel (41) tried to build momentum, but regular wickets stalled their progress. Shakeel’s dismissal at 99-5, caught off Salman Agha, left the team in trouble.
Asif Ali’s fighting knock of 50 off 43 balls, featuring three boundaries and three sixes, provided some hope, but the middle and lower order couldn’t withstand the pressure.
Salman Agha and Mohammad Imran were the pick of the bowlers for the Markhors, taking three wickets each as the Dolphins collapsed to 192 all out.
Key Performances
- Kamran Ghulam (Markhors): 113 off 110 balls
- Mohammad Rizwan (Markhors): 51 off 67 balls
- Faheem Ashraf (Dolphins): 4 wickets for 43 runs
- Asif Ali (Dolphins): 50 off 43 balls
- Salman Agha (Markhors): 3 wickets for 42 runs
- Mohammad Imran (Markhors): 3 wickets for 39 runs
Next Match
With this win, the Markhors continue to dominate the Champions One-Day Cup standings. They will look to extend their winning streak in their upcoming matches, while the Dolphins will aim to bounce back from this defeat.