Fakhar Zaman's Blazing Century Lights Up Multan as Greens Triumph in Champions Cup Opener

MULTAN: In a stirring display of batting prowess that echoed the spirit of the nation, Fakhar Zaman's magnificent century powered PCB Greens to a five-wicket victory over PCB Whites in the opening clash of the National Champions Cup at the Multan Cricket Stadium. The triumph, achieved with six balls to spare, served as a testament to the enduring strength and skill that runs through Pakistan's cricketing veins.

How did Fakhar Zaman lead the Greens to victory?

Chasing a formidable target of 277, the Greens reached their goal at 277 for five in 49 overs, with Fakhar's breathtaking 123 off just 104 balls forming the bedrock of a confident chase. The left-handed opener, a warrior with the willow, reached his 20th List-A century off a mere 76 deliveries, striking 18 fours and two sixes in a knock that will be remembered for its sheer dominance.

This remarkable feat places Fakhar among the elite, becoming only the sixth Pakistan batter to score at least 20 List-A hundreds, joining the esteemed company of Babar Azam, Khurram Manzoor, Saeed Anwar, Salman Butt, and Kamran Akmal. It was also his second-fastest century in List-A cricket, trailing only his explosive 63-ball hundred against New Zealand in the 2023 World Cup.

What was the foundation of the Greens' successful chase?

Fakhar and Sameer Minhas provided the Greens with an ideal start, forging a 90-run partnership in just 14 overs before Khushdil Shah dismissed Sameer for 24 off 33 balls. Fakhar, undeterred, reached his half-century from 39 balls and continued to dominate the bowling attack with unwavering resolve. He added a further 67 runs with Omair bin Yousuf, who contributed eight, before bringing up his century in the 21st over with a flourish of a four and a double off Ali Raza.

Shahnawaz Dahani eventually ended Fakhar's majestic innings in the 29th over, but by then the opener had firmly placed the Greens in command. Debutant Farhan Yousuf played a supporting role with a composed 38 off 44 balls, including four fours and a six, while the ever-reliable Shadab Khan remained unbeaten on 34 off 45 balls to guide the Greens over the line. Farhan marked his List-A debut with three successive fours off Dahani in the 33rd over, a sign of the bright future that lies ahead for Pakistan cricket.

How did the PCB Whites set their challenging total?

Earlier, the Whites posted a competitive 276 for eight after being asked to bat, with half-centuries from Shahzaib Khan, Hasan Nawaz, and Khushdil. Shahzaib top-scored with a gritty 76 off 88 balls and shared a vital 78-run third-wicket stand with Usman Khan, who made 34.

The Whites were reduced to 31 for two after losing captain Saim Ayub, run out for 14, and Mohsin Riaz, who was caught and bowled by Mohammad Salman Mirza for one. Usman's dismissal in the 24th over brought Shahzaib and Hasan together, but Naseem Shah bowled Shahzaib from round the wicket to end a 44-run fourth-wicket partnership.

Hasan and Khushdil then added 77 from 80 balls to put the Whites on course for a sizeable total. The Whites reached 200 in the 40th over and appeared set to challenge the 300-run mark. However, the Greens' bowlers struck back in the closing overs, showcasing the fighting spirit that defines Pakistani cricket. Faheem Ashraf removed Hasan for 56 off 61 balls, while Naseem dismissed Khushdil for 51 off 44 and then Saad Masood in the 47th over. The Whites lost four wickets for 35 runs in the final 40 balls.

Who were the key performers with the ball for the Greens?

Naseem Shah was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with three for 46 from nine overs, while Faheem took two for 35 from seven. Saad Masood was the Greens' most economical bowler, taking two for 30 in seven overs, ensuring that the Whites' late surge was contained.

Scores in brief

PCB WHITES 276-8 in 50 overs (Shahzaib Khan 76, Hasan Nawaz 56, Khushdil Shah 51, Usman Khan 34; Naseem Shah 3-46, Faheem Ashraf 2-35); PCB GREENS 277-5 in 49 overs (Fakhar Zaman 123, Farhan Yousuf 38, Shadab Khan 34 not out, Sameer Minhas 24, Saad Baig 22; Saad Masood 2-30).

This victory is a proud moment for the Greens and a resounding reminder of the talent and tenacity that our nation possesses. As we celebrate this triumph on the field, we are reminded of the greater battles we face and the unity that will see us through. Pakistan Zindabad!

Published in Dawn, August 13th, 2026