Pakistan Gold Reach National Champions Cup Final After Five-Wicket Win
MULTAN, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK: Shaheen Shah Afridi-led Pakistan Gold secured a place in the National Champions Cup 2026-27 final after defeating Pakistan Whites by five wickets at Multan Cricket Stadium, completing a crucial run chase comfortably inside the net run-rate qualification requirement.
Haider Ali produced the decisive batting performance with an unbeaten 69 off 48 balls, guiding Gold to 173-5 in 28 overs after Whites had been dismissed for 172.
The victory was not enough on points alone. Pakistan Gold needed to chase the 173-run target within 32.1 overs to overtake their rivals on net run rate.
They completed the task with more than four overs to spare, finishing level on points with Pakistan Whites and Pakistan Blues but progressing with the superior net run rate.
Shaheen Afridi leads from the front
Earlier, Pakistan Gold captain Shaheen won the toss and elected to bowl.
The left-arm pacer delivered a match-winning spell, taking 3-26 from eight overs as Pakistan Whites were bowled out for 172 in 41.4 overs.
Shaheen was named player of the match for his performance.
Mubasir Khan returned figures of 2-29 from 10 overs, while Faisal Akram claimed 2-48. Mohammad Imran and Razaullah took one wicket each.
Whites struggled to build sustained partnerships as Gold regularly broke through their batting order.
Hasan Nawaz hits 55 for Whites
Hasan Nawaz provided the main resistance with 55 from 74 deliveries, striking three fours and two sixes.
Saim Ayub contributed 28 from 39 balls, while Saad Masood made 20.
Hasan arrived at the crease after Shahzaib Khan, Haseebullah and Usman Khan had all departed for single-digit scores.
With Whites under pressure, Hasan and Saad produced their innings’ biggest partnership, adding 45 runs for the sixth wicket.
Shaheen eventually dismissed Hasan and later removed Mohammad Wasim Jr for 18 to claim his third wicket.
Whites then lost their final four wickets for only 24 runs as Gold restricted them to a target that remained achievable within the required qualification equation.
Gold lose three early wickets
Pakistan Gold’s chase was not without early trouble.
Shamyl Hussain and Mohammad Akhlaq made 15 each, while Kamran Ghulam contributed a valuable 30 off 26 balls.
By the end of the powerplay, however, Gold had lost their top three and were 61-3, leaving the chase delicately balanced.
Haider Ali and Saad Khan then took control.
Haider Ali fires unbeaten 69
Haider played the aggressive role while Saad provided stability as the pair combined for a crucial 86-run partnership.
Haider struck seven fours and three sixes in his unbeaten 48-ball 69, keeping Pakistan Gold comfortably ahead of the required run rate.
Saad contributed 33 from 55 balls, including three boundaries.
Pakistan Whites briefly revived their hopes when Mohammad Wasim Jr removed Saad and Ali Raza dismissed Abdul Samad in successive overs.
Haider, however, remained unbeaten and ensured there was no late collapse as Gold reached 173-5 after 28 overs.
Wasim Jr claimed two wickets for Whites, while Ali Raza, Saim Ayub and Shahnawaz Dahani took one apiece.
Pakistan Gold to face Pakistan Greens in final
Pakistan Gold will now meet Shadab Khan-led Pakistan Greens in the National Champions Cup final on Tuesday, August 18, at Multan Cricket Stadium.
The toss is scheduled for 2:30pm, with the match beginning at 3pm.
Greens have been the dominant side of the competition, recording victories over Pakistan Whites, Gold and Blues during the league stage.
Pakistan Gold, by contrast, recovered dramatically after losing their opening two matches — including a heavy 128-run defeat against Greens — to claim the remaining place in the final.
Their qualification sets up a rematch with Shadab’s side, with Shaheen and his teammates now one victory away from completing a remarkable turnaround.
Scores in Brief
Pakistan Whites: 172 all out 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*, Saad Khan 33, Kamran Ghulam 30.
Result: Pakistan Gold won by five wickets.
Player of the Match: Shaheen Shah Afridi.
