Fakhar hits ton as Greens thump Whites in National Champions Cup opener
Experienced opener Fakhar bags Player of the Match award for blistering 123-run knock
MULTAN: Experienced left-handed opener Fakhar Zaman's blistering century propelled Pakistan Greens to a comfortable five-wicket victory over Pakistan Whites in the National Champions Cup 2026 curtain-raiser here at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Set to chase a 277-run target, the Greens comfortably knocked the winning runs for the loss of five wickets and six balls to spare, making a triumphant start to the four-team tournament, part of Pakistan's preparations for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027.
Leading the way for the Greens was Zaman, who top-scored with 123 off just 104 deliveries, studded with 18 fours and two sixes, which earned him the Player of the Match award.
His brilliance was backed by emerging middle-order Farhan Yousaf and captain Shadab Khan, who chipped in with 38 and 34 not out, respectively.
Emerging all-rounder Saad Masood was the standout bowler for the Whites as he bagged two wickets for 30 runs in his seven overs, while Mohammad Wasim Jr, Khushdil Shah and Shahawaz Dahani could take one apiece.
Whites captain Saim Ayub's decision to bat first backfired as his team's batting unit could yield 276/8 in their allotted 50 overs.
Leading the way for the Whites was left-handed opener Shahzaib Khan, who top-scored with 76 off 88 deliveries and anchored their innings alongside wicketkeeper batter Usman Khan (34) following the early dismissals of captain Ayub and top-order batter Mohsin Riaz, who mustered 14 and one, respectively.
Following Khan's departure, the middle-order duo of Hasan and Shah took the reins of Whites' batting charge and laid a solid foundation for a big total with respective half-centuries.
Hasan made a 61-ball 56, while Shah contributed with a blistering 51 off 44 deliveries.
Experienced pacer Naseem Shah spearheaded Greens' bowling charge as he picked up three wickets for 46 runs in his nine overs, followed by all-rounder Faheem Ashraf, who bagged two, while Salman Mirza and Mehran Mumtaz chipped in with one apiece.
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