Ghulam and Salman steer Markhors to third straight win

LAHORE: UMT Markhors continued their winning streak in the Bahria Town Champions One-Day Cup with a commanding 92-run victory over Engro Dolphins at Iqbal Stadium on Wednesday.

The win marked the Markhors’ third consecutive triumph, placing them at the top of the points table, while the Dolphins remain winless, struggling at the bottom after two matches. Kamran Ghulam’s exceptional form continued as he struck his second century of the tournament, while Salman Ali Agha played a pivotal role with both bat and ball. Markhors posted a challenging total of 285 runs, and Dolphins were bowled out for 192 in 43.5 overs.

Opting to bat first, UMT Markhors were bolstered by Kamran Ghulam’s masterful innings of 113 runs off 110 balls, which included 12 boundaries and 3 sixes. Coming in at the fall of the first wicket in the very first over, Kamran led the charge, taking Markhors to a commanding position. His century also saw a crucial third-wicket stand of 122 runs with skipper Mohammad Rizwan, who contributed a well-compiled 51 runs off 67 balls, hitting 3 fours and a six.

After Rizwan’s departure in the 27th over, Salman Ali Agha kept the momentum going, scoring a quickfire 49 off 47 balls, including 3 fours and 1 six. Kamran and Salman shared a 71-run fourth-wicket partnership, steering Markhors past the 200-run mark. Lower-order contributions from Muhammad Imran (27 off 25 balls, including 2 sixes) and Zahid Mehmood (15* off 14 balls) helped the Markhors finish with a competitive total of 285.

Faheem Ashraf was the standout bowler for the Dolphins, taking 4 wickets for 50 runs, while Mir Hamza claimed 2 wickets. Usman Qadir and Sameen Gul also chipped in with a wicket apiece. Chasing 285, the Dolphins faltered early, losing two wickets for just 13 runs.