Multan: Suleman’s century and bowlers’ effort secure Greens’ third consecutive win
Pakistan Greens secured their third consecutive victory in the National Champions Cup 2026, defeating Pakistan Blues by 192 runs at the Multan Cricket Stadium. This win also confirmed their spot in the final, scheduled for August 18 at the same venue. The Greens’ performance was highlighted by an unbeaten century from Mohammad Suleman and a disciplined bowling effort.
Greens captain Shadab Khan opted to bat first, a decision that saw his team post a total of 302/6 in their allotted 50 overs. The innings began with Sameer Minhas, who scored 17 before his dismissal in the 10th over. Omair Bin Yousuf then contributed 33 runs from 57 balls, attempting to stabilize the innings alongside Saad Baig, but their partnership was broken by Mohammad Faiq.
Mohammad Suleman, batting at number four, significantly accelerated the scoring after Omair’s departure. He formed a substantial 135-run partnership with Saad Baig for the third wicket. Suleman batted patiently, while Baig showed aggression, scoring 77 runs from 73 deliveries, which included five fours and three sixes. This partnership was eventually ended by Sufiyan Muqeem in the 36th over.
Suleman continued to lead the innings, adding another rapid 90 runs with Farhan Yousuf for the fourth wicket. Farhan contributed a quick 51 runs from 41 balls, featuring four fours and two sixes, helping to push the Greens’ total past 290 by the 49th over. Suleman completed his century, finishing with 101 not out from 103 balls, including eight fours and a six. This marked his second List A century. Hasan Ali was the most successful bowler for the Blues, taking 2-37, with Mohammad Faiq, Arafat Minhas, Ahmed Daniyal, and Sufyan Muqeem each claiming one wicket.
Blues’ chase falters
In response, Pakistan Blues struggled to build momentum, losing wickets consistently. Their chase suffered an early setback when Maaz Sadaqat was run out by Arshad Iqbal in the second over. Faheem Ashraf then made a significant impact, taking three wickets within five overs. He dismissed Sahibzada Farhan for 19 and Mohammad Faiq for 18, later returning to remove Muhammad Irfan Khan for two runs.
Captain Shadab Khan also contributed with the ball, claiming the wicket of Tayyab Tahir for 14 runs, leaving the Blues at 58-5 in the 13th over. Arafat Minhas was the sole batter for the Blues to offer significant resistance, scoring a fighting 38 runs from 40 balls, which included three fours and two sixes. He shared a 30-run partnership with Hasan Ali, but the Blues were unable to sustain a recovery.
Mohammad Hasnain effectively ended any hopes of a comeback by removing Taimur Khan and Ahmed Daniyal in the 14th over. Mohammad Salman Mirza added two more wickets, as the Greens completed a comprehensive victory, bowling out the Blues for just 110 runs in 23.5 overs. Faheem Ashraf finished with figures of 3-14, while Mohammad Salman Mirza and Mohammad Hasnain each took two wickets.
Finals race and player recognition
The Greens’ dominant performance places them firmly at the top of the standings, securing their place in the final. Pakistan Whites are currently in second position and are scheduled to play Pakistan Gold on Sunday in the final league match. The outcome and margin of victory in this match will determine which team joins the Greens in the final. The Whites have a net run rate of -0.002, while the Blues have -1.093.
For their match against the Blues, the Greens made two changes to their squad after securing their spot in the title match, resting Fakhar Zaman and Naseem Shah. Suleman replaced Fakhar, and Arshad Iqbal came in for Naseem. Following his match-winning century, Mohammad Suleman was named the player of the match for his outstanding contribution.
The final league fixture between Pakistan Gold and Pakistan Whites will be played at the same venue on Sunday, with the final scheduled for August 18.
Source: tapmad.com
