Shaheen stars as Pakistan Gold storm into Champions Cup final

MULTAN: Shaheen Shah Afridi produced a match-winning bowling performance as Pakistan Gold defeated Pakistan Whites by five wickets to book their place in the National Champions Cup 2026 final at Multan Cricket Stadium.

Chasing 173, Gold reached their target in just 28 overs, although they lost five wickets along the way. Haider Ali led the chase with an impressive 69 off 48 balls, smashing seven fours and three sixes in an aggressive innings.

The victory was particularly striking because Gold had entered the match after suffering two defeats and sitting at the bottom of the table. Their superior net run rate, however, kept their qualification hopes alive, and they capitalised when it mattered most.

Gold faced early trouble during the chase, slipping to 61-3 after 10 overs. Haider then steadied the innings alongside Kamran Ghulam, who contributed 30 from 26 deliveries, including four boundaries.

Saad Khan also played a valuable supporting role, scoring a patient 33 off 55 balls as Gold moved steadily towards victory. Mohammad Wasim claimed two wickets for Whites, but his efforts were not enough to stop the chase.

Earlier, Whites were bowled out for 172 in 41.4 overs after choosing to bat first.

Gold’s bowlers immediately put their opponents under pressure, reducing Whites to 26-2 inside the opening 10 overs. Shahzaib Khan fell for two while Haseebullah Khan managed only three.

The situation worsened as Usman Khan was dismissed for three and Saim Ayub departed after scoring 30, leaving Whites struggling at 45-4 in 14.5 overs.

Hasan Nawaz provided some resistance, scoring a determined 55 off 74 balls with three fours and two sixes. His efforts helped Whites cross the 150-run mark, but the lower order could not carry the innings further.

Shaheen led Gold’s attack with three wickets, while Faisal Akram claimed two.

The National Champions Cup is being staged in Multan from August 11 to 18 as part of Pakistan’s 2026-27 domestic season and preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Match 6 – Sparco Paints Pakistan Gold beat UOL Pakistan Whites by five wickets at Multan Cricket Stadium

Pakistan Whites 172 all out, 41.4 overs (Hasan Nawaz 55, Saim Ayub 28, Saad Masood 20; Shaheen Shah Afridi 3-26, Mubasir Khan 2-29, Faisal Akram 2-48)

Pakistan Gold 173-5, 28 overs (Haider Ali 69 not out, Saad Khan 33, Kamran Ghulam 30; Mohammad Wasim Jnr)

Player of the match – Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan Gold)

Tournament schedule: (All matches at Multan Cricket Stadium; All matches to begin at 3pm)

11 August – Pakistan Greens beat Pakistan Whites by five wickets

12 August – Pakistan Blues beat Pakistan Gold by six wickets

13 August –Pakistan Whites beat Pakistan Blues by six runs

14 August – Pakistan Greens beat Pakistan Gold by 128 runs

15 August – Pakistan Greens beat Pakistan Blues by 192 runs

16 August – Pakistan Gold beat Pakistan Whites by five wickets

18 August – Final (Pakistan Greens v Pakistan Gold)