UMT Markhors continued their flawless run in the Bahria Town Champions One-Day Cup with an emphatic 92-run victory over Engro Dolphins, marking their third consecutive win in the tournament. The star of the show was Kamran Ghulam, whose brilliant century, supported by Salman Ali Agha’s all-round brilliance and Mohammad Rizwan’s crucial half-century, helped Markhors secure the top spot on the points table.
With this loss, the Dolphins remain winless, having suffered two straight defeats and now languish at the bottom of the table. Their next challenge comes against the Allied Bank Stallions tomorrow at 3 PM.
Markhors’ Dominant Batting Display
Opting to bat first at the Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, UMT Markhors posted a formidable 284-9 in their 50 overs. Kamran Ghulam, continuing his stellar form, hit his second century of the tournament. Walking in after the loss of an early wicket, Kamran stabilized the innings with a well-constructed 113 runs off 110 balls, smashing 12 fours and three sixes.
Kamran’s knock was pivotal, as he formed a 122-run partnership with skipper Mohammad Rizwan, who contributed a steady 51 off 67 balls. Rizwan’s innings included three boundaries and a six, laying the foundation for the middle-order to capitalize on. After Rizwan’s dismissal, Salman Ali Agha took charge, scoring a quick 49 from 47 balls, hitting three fours and a six, sharing a 71-run stand with Kamran for the fourth wicket.
Lower-order contributions, including a brisk 27 off 25 balls by Muhammad Imran, aided Markhors in crossing the 250-run mark. Faheem Ashraf was the standout bowler for Dolphins, taking 4-50, while Mir Hamza chipped in with 2-26.
Dolphins Fall Short in the Chase
In response, the Engro Dolphins’ chase of 285 never quite took off, with wickets falling at regular intervals. Dolphins were immediately on the back foot at 13-2 and further reduced to 99-5. Saud Shakeel offered some resistance with a 41-run knock, but his dismissal to Salman Ali Agha, who was exceptional with the ball, put further pressure on the chase.
Asif Ali’s attacking half-century (50 off 43 balls) revived hopes for the Dolphins, but he lacked support from the lower order. His innings featured three boundaries and three towering sixes, but his dismissal effectively ended the Dolphins’ fightback.
Salman Ali Agha, complementing his batting effort, took 3-34 in his 10 overs, while Muhammad Imran’s three-wicket burst (3-28) dismantled the Dolphins’ lower order. They were eventually bowled out for 192 in 43.5 overs, handing Markhors a convincing 92-run win.
Looking Ahead
UMT Markhors remain unbeaten with three wins from three games, comfortably sitting at the top of the points table. On the other hand, Engro Dolphins will need a significant turnaround as they face the Allied Bank Stallions in their next fixture.
Scores in Brief:
UMT Markhors: 284-9 in 50 overs (Kamran Ghulam 113, Mohammad Rizwan 51, Salman Ali Agha 49, Muhammad Imran 27; Faheem Ashraf 4-50, Mir Hamza 2-26)
Engro Dolphins: 192 all out in 43.5 overs (Asif Ali 50, Saud Shakeel 41, Sahibzada Farhan 24; Muhammad Imran 3-28, Salman Ali Agha 3-34)
Player of the Match: Kamran Ghulam (UMT Markhors)
