MULTAN: Shahzaib Khan struck his second consecutive half-century to lift Pakistan Whites to a competitive total against Pakistan Blues in the third match of the National Champions Cup 2026 at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
Put into bat first, Pakistan Whites scored 245 in 49.3 overs.
Shahzaib Khan top-scored with 71 off 85 balls, including three sixes and three fours. Saad Masood also chipped in with the bat, hitting a crucial 35 from 45 with the aid of a four and a six, lower down the order.
Skipper Saim Ayub could make his mark, departing for 22 after sharing a 34-run stand with Shahzaib for the opening wicket. Mohsin Riaz also fell in quick succession, managing only eight before getting stumped off Mohammad Faiq’s bowling.
Consequently, Whites were reduced to 44-3 in 8.3 overs.
After quick wickets, Usman Khan paired up with Shahzaib in a bid to stabilize the innings. The duo stitched a 77-run stand for the third wicket to lift Pakistan Whites.
Usman faced 42 deliveries to score 29, including three fours.
Pakistan Whites’ innings met the same fate as their first match of the tournament, as Shahzaib held the innings until the 28th over. After his departure, they slumped from 147-4 to 157-6 inside 32 overs.
Saad Masood tried to hold the innings with a string of brief partnerships lower down the order. However, Whites were bundled out before completing 50 overs.
For Pakistan Blues, Mohammad Faiq led the bowling charts with three wickets to his name.
READ: Abdullah Shafique reacts to Ian Bishop’s ‘Kitabi Player’ remark