Shaheen Shah Afridi (Source: X)
Shaheen Shah Afridi produced a stunning bowling performance as Pakistan Gold defeated Pakistan Greens by 101 runs in the National Champions Cup 2026-27 final at Multan Cricket Stadium on Tuesday (August 18).
Pakistan Gold, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, posted 340 runs in their 50 overs after choosing to bat first. In reply, Pakistan Greens were bowled out for 239 in 37.3 overs.
Shaheen Shah Afridi Guides India From Front
It is important to note that Shaheen Shah Afridi was the star of the final. He led from the front and took 7 wickets for just 36 runs in 8.3 overs. His spell included a brilliant hat-trick that helped Pakistan Gold complete a convincing victory.
Shaheen completed his hat-trick in the 38th over when he first trapped Mehran Mumtaz with a sharp in-swinging delivery. In the following ball, he then dismissed Salman Mirza with a slower ball, which was caught by Shaheen himself.
The left-arm fast bowler completed the hat-trick by bowling Mohammad Hasnain with a powerful yorker that struck the leg stump.
It is also vital to note that his 7-wicket haul was the best List A bowling performance of his career. His previous best was 6/35 against Bangladesh at Lord’s in 2019. The hat-trick was also his fourth five-wicket haul in List A cricket.
- 7/36- This is Shaheen Afridi's best bowling figures in List A cricket. His earlier best bowling was 6/35 against Bangladesh at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground, on 5th July, 2019.
Also Read: Shaheen Afridi Outrightly Rejects Babar Azam's ODI Captaincy Return
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Shamyl Hussain & Saad Khan Set Up Pakistan Gold's Big Total
Earlier, Pakistan Gold built a strong foundation after Shaheen won the toss and decided to bat first.
Their opener Shamyl Hussain and Saad Khan led from the front, and both the players scored centuries. The pair shared a 137-run partnership off 103 balls that put Pakistan Gold in control of the final.
Shamyl made 111 runs from 93 balls at a strike rate of 119.35, and Saad was equally impressive, as he made 112 runs from 102 balls at a strike rate of 109.80.
Muhammad Akhlaq also contributed with 31 runs, while Abdul Samad and Mubasir Khan also made valuable contributions.
Shaheen Shah Afridi Finishes The Chase In Style
Pakistan Greens started their chase strongly and reached 143/1 in 20.4 overs. Saad Baig played an aggressive innings and scored 67 from 51 balls at a strike rate of 131.37.
He was supported by Omair Bin Yousuf, who scored 44 from 50 balls. The pair added 90 runs and briefly put Pakistan Greens in a strong position.
However, Pakistan Gold fought back and turned the match around, with Shaheen Afridi making the biggest contribution. The ace pacer removed Farhan Yousuf and later dismissed Shadab Khan and Mohammad Suleman, leaving Greens under serious pressure.
Faheem Ashraf and Naseem Shah attempted to rebuild the innings with a 61-run partnership, but Shaheen broke their partnership in the 36th over before returning two overs later to complete his hat-trick.
The final three wickets fell in dramatic fashion as Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed Mehran Mumtaz, Salman Mirza and Mohammad Hasnain from the first three balls of his over.
Pakistan Greens were eventually bowled out for 239/10, giving Pakistan Gold a 101-run victory and the National Champions Cup 2026 title.
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