Pakistan Gold Crush Pakistan Greens by 101 Runs as Shaheen Afridi’s Seven-Wicket Haul Seals Title

Shamyl Hussain and Saad Khan hit centuries as Pakistan Gold posted 340; captain Shaheen Shah Afridi then produced a sensational hat-trick-laden seven-wicket spell to dismiss Pakistan Greens for 239.

Hamid Khan Wazir

MULTAN: Pakistan Gold produced a commanding all-round performance to crush Pakistan Greens by 101 runs in the final of the National Champions Cup 2026 on Tuesday, with a dominant batting display followed by a devastating spell from captain Shaheen Shah Afridi.

After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Pakistan Gold made the decision pay handsomely, posting an imposing 340 in their allotted 50 overs. Shamyl Hussain and Saad Khan laid the foundation for the huge total with outstanding centuries before the lower order accelerated the scoring in the closing stages.

Pakistan Greens, chasing 341 for victory, made a promising start but were unable to sustain the momentum against a disciplined Pakistan Gold Shaheen-led bowling attack. They were bowled out for 239 in 37.3 overs, falling 101 runs short of the target.

The decisive moment of the final came with the ball as Shaheen Shah Afridi delivered a spectacular seven-wicket haul. The Pakistan Gold captain finished with remarkable figures of 7 for 36 from 8.3 overs, dismantling the Greens batting line-up and ensuring that the imposing target remained well beyond their reach.

Centuries Set Up Pakistan Gold’s Massive Total

Pakistan Gold got off to a solid start despite losing Muhammad Akhlaq for 31 and Kamran Ghulam for just 10. Shamyl Hussain then took control of the innings, producing a superb 111 from 93 deliveries.

His innings contained 11 fours and four sixes and came at a strike rate of 119.35. Shamyl provided Pakistan Gold with the acceleration they needed during the middle overs and built an important partnership with Saad Khan.

Saad Khan continued the assault with an equally impressive century, scoring 112 from 102 balls. His innings included 11 fours and four sixes as he maintained the pressure on the Greens bowlers.

The two centuries provided the backbone of Pakistan Gold's 340-run total. After Shamyl departed at 232, Pakistan Gold continued to attack. Abdul Samad contributed a brisk 25 from 25 balls, while Mubasir Khan struck 21 off 17 deliveries.

Mohammad Imran added a rapid seven from four balls, while Shaheen Shah Afridi scored three from two deliveries before being run out. Pakistan Gold eventually reached 340 in exactly 50 overs at a healthy run rate of 6.80.

For Pakistan Greens, Shadab Khan was the most economical bowler, claiming two wickets for 45 runs from his 10 overs. Naseem Shah and Faheem Ashraf also picked up two wickets each, while Mohammad Hasnain claimed one.

Greens Make Promising Start

Chasing a daunting 341, Pakistan Greens needed a strong start and initially appeared capable of mounting a challenge.

Fakhar Zaman played positively at the top of the order, scoring 31 from 28 balls with five fours and a six. Omair Yousuf then added 44 from 50 deliveries, keeping the chase on course during the early stages.

The Greens received their biggest contribution from wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig, who struck a fluent 67 from only 51 balls. His innings featured nine fours and two sixes and briefly raised hopes of a competitive chase.

However, once Saad Baig was dismissed at 143, Pakistan Greens began losing wickets at regular intervals. The pressure intensified as Shaheen Shah Afridi found his rhythm.

Shaheen’s Lethal Spell Destroys Greens

Shaheen Shah Afridi turned the final decisively in Pakistan Gold’s favour with a sensational seven-wicket spell.

The left-arm fast bowler removed Mohammad Suleman for two before dismissing Farhan Yousaf and Shadab Khan in quick succession.

He continued his assault on the lower order and removed Naseem Shah. Shaheen, then ran through the Greens' batting tail in the final over with a hat-trick to complete an outstanding seven-wicket haul to clinch the coveted National Champions Cup 2026 title for his side as Ashraf remained stranded on 38 not out from 30 balls.

Shaheen finished with 7 for 36 from 8.3 overs, including one maiden, at an exceptional economy rate of 4.23.

His spell completely broke the Greens’ resistance and transformed what had initially appeared to be a competitive chase into a comfortable victory for Pakistan Gold.

Faheem Ashraf remained unbeaten on 38 from 30 balls, while Naseem Shah contributed 31 from 27, but the Greens could not maintain the required scoring rate. They were eventually dismissed for 239 in just 37.3 overs.

Toss Proves Crucial

Pakistan Gold’s decision to bat first after winning the toss ultimately proved decisive.

The batting side made full use of the conditions, posted a formidable 340 and then put Pakistan Greens under immediate pressure by forcing them to chase at more than 6.80 runs per over.

Although the Greens produced several good individual performances, including Saad Baig’s aggressive half-century, they were unable to withstand Shaheen’s sustained attack.

The final therefore showcased Pakistan Gold’s strength in both departments, with their top order providing the runs and their captain delivering the knockout blow with the ball.