Shadab Khan sees bowling boost ahead of Champions Cup final

MULTAN: Pakistan Greens captain Shadab Khan believes his bowling is steadily improving as his unbeaten side prepares to face Pakistan Gold in the final of the National Champions Cup 2026.

Greens have enjoyed an impressive run through the tournament, winning all three of their matches under Shadab’s leadership. Their consistent performances have also been powered by a strong batting display from Fakhar Zaman, who has emerged as one of the competition’s standout performers.

Fakhar has scored two successive centuries and currently leads the tournament’s run-scoring charts with 238 runs at an outstanding average of 119.

Shadab praised his team’s overall approach, saying the players had adapted well to local conditions and successfully carried forward the work completed during the recent National Cricket Academy (NCA) white-ball camp.

“Our attitude in the field has been really good,” Shadab told the Pakistan Cricket Board’s digital platform.

He said the squad contained several players familiar with the conditions and credited the entire team for building on their preparations at the NCA.

“The whole team has put in a great effort and for me they all stand out,” the all-rounder added.

Despite Greens’ unbeaten record, Shadab is not taking Gold lightly. He warned that their opponents’ route to the final made them particularly dangerous, with Gold securing qualification after taking advantage of a narrow opportunity.

“We will try to keep things simple in tomorrow’s final while also knowing that a team like Gold that got into the final through a small opportunity can be dangerous,” he said.

The final will provide another important test for Shadab, who is looking to make a bigger contribution with both bat and ball. He has so far taken two wickets in three matches, while his batting scores have included an unbeaten 34, 61 and seven.

Shadab said he was encouraged by the gradual improvement in his bowling and remained focused on contributing whenever his team needed him.

“I feel my bowling is also improving gradually, and with the bat I try to stand up whenever the team needs me,” he said.

With Fakhar in outstanding form and Greens carrying an unbeaten record, Shadab’s side will enter the final with confidence. However, the captain knows Gold can upset the odds if his players lose focus in the decisive contest.