Faisalabad: The playoff stage of the Bahria Town Champions One-Day Cup is set to commence tomorrow with a high-stakes match between the UMT Markhors and the Lake City Panthers at the Iqbal Stadium. This pivotal game marks the beginning of a series of contests that will determine the tournament’s finalists.
According to Pakistan Cricket Board, the UMT Markhors, having topped the league stage, will face the second-place Lake City Panthers in the Qualifier. The winner of this match will secure a direct spot in the final, while the loser will have another chance in Eliminator 2, facing the victor of the first eliminator round.
The first eliminator, scheduled for September 25, will feature the third and fourth place teams, Allied Bank Stallions and Nurpur Lions, respectively. This match promises to be a fiercely competitive encounter, as expressed by both team captains, who acknowledge the crucial nature of their upcoming performances.
Highlighting individual performances, Kamran Ghulam of the Markhors leads the scoring chart with 247 runs, including two centuries, while Mohammad Hasnain of the Panthers tops the bowling list with 11 wickets, showcasing exceptional skills in the tournament.
The playoff stage includes four key matches: the Qualifier, two Eliminators, and the Final, each contributing to the crescendo of cricket action in Faisalabad. The final, scheduled for September 29, will conclude the tournament, crowning the champion team at Iqbal Stadium.