Right-handed batter Kamran Ghulam registered his seventh List A century helping the Markhors post a 348-run target against Panthers in the opening match of the Champions One-Day Cup at Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad.

Ghulam batted with a strike rate of over 100 to ensure Markhors stamp their command after they were asked to bat first by Panthers’ captain Shadab Khan.

In a 102-ball knock of 115, he stroked three sixes and 12 fours.

Markhors lost Fakhar Zaman (18) early in the innings while his partner Abdul Samad also could not convert his 34 into a big score.

Ghulam came to bat at three and paired with captain Mohammad Rizwan to recover. He was the aggressor while Rizwan held one end.

They posted 133-run stand for third wicket before Rizwan was removed by Mohammad Hasnain. Rizwan made 45 off 57 balls which included three sixes.

Salman Ali Agha didn’t trouble the opponent much as he was caught and bowled by Mubasir Khan.

Meanwhile, Ghulam partnered with Iftikhar to lay down a foundation for a strong finish. The former scored a century and was removed by Hasnain while Iftikhar continued the onslaught.

Abdul Samad joined Iftikhar and played a brisk cameo of 62 in just balls. The pair posted a partnership of 39-ball 87 which took Markhors score to 347/6.

Iftikhar remained not out at 57 off 44 balls.

For Panthers, Hasnain and Mubashir took two wickets while Mohammad Zeeshan and Amad Butt took one each.

Playing XIs

Panthers: Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Faizan, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan (c), Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Abdul Samad, Zahid Mahmood, Naseem Shah, Shahnawaz Dahani, Akif Javed

Markhors: Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Abdul Wahid Bangalzai, Azan Awais, Haider Ali, Shadab Khan (c), Mubasir Khan, Amad Butt, Mohammad Hasnain, Usama Mir, Mohammad Zeeshan