MULTAN: Pakistan Gold overcame Pakistan Whites by five wickets on Sunday to secure a place in the National Champions Cup final against Pakistan Greens.

Gold, who had lost their opening two matches, chased down Whites’ 173-run target in just 28 overs at the Multan Cricket Stadium to qualify on net run rate.

They needed to complete the chase in 32.1 overs to finish ahead of Pakistan Blues and Whites on net run rate. Their victory left the three teams level on points, but Gold’s superior net run rate earned them a place in Tuesday’s final.

Greens, led by Shadab Khan, will face Shaheen Shah Afridi’s Gold in the final at the same venue.

Gold’s qualification was built around an unbeaten 69 from Haider Ali, who struck seven fours and three sixes in a 48-ball innings.

Chasing a modest target, Gold were reduced to 61-3 inside the powerplay after Shamyl Hussain and Mohammad Akhlaq made 15 each and Kamran Ghulam scored a 26-ball 30.

Haider and Saad Khan then took control, adding 86 for the fourth wicket. Saad contributed 33 from 55 balls before Mohammad Wasim Jnr dismissed him in the 25th over.

Ali Raza removed Abdul Samad in the following over, but Haider ensured there was no further setback as Gold reached their target with 25 balls to spare over the required qualification mark.

Earlier, Shaheen led Gold’s bowling effort after opting to field, taking 3-26 from eight overs.

Whites struggled throughout their innings and were bowled out for 172 in 41.4 overs. Hasan Nawaz top-scored with 55 off 74 balls, while Saim Ayub made 28.

Shaheen struck twice after Hasan and Saad Masood had added 45 for the sixth wicket. He dismissed Hasan for his third wicket before removing Wasim Jnr for 18.

Mubasir Khan and Faisal Akram claimed two wickets each, while Mohammad Imran and Razaullah also took a wicket apiece.

Whites lost their last four wickets for 24 runs, with Faisal removing Saqib Khan and Ali Raza to wrap up the innings.

Scores in brief:

PAKISTAN WHITES 172 in 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 in 28 overs (Haider Ali 69 not out, Saad Khan 33, Kamran Ghulam 30; Mohammad Wasim Jnr 2 wickets).

Published in Dawn, August 18th, 2026