Multan: Shaheen Shah Afridi-led Sparco Paints Pakistan Gold produced a clinical comeback when it mattered most, defeating UOL Pakistan Whites by five wickets to seal their place in the final of the National Champions Cup 2026-27 at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
Gold entered their final league match with their qualification hopes hanging by a thread after losing their opening two games. They needed not only a win against Whites but also had to chase down the 173-run target quickly enough to finish ahead of Pakistan Blues and their opponents on net run rate.
They delivered exactly when it mattered.
Chasing 173, Gold reached the target in just 28 overs, comfortably beating the required 32.1-over qualification mark. The result left Gold, Whites and Blues level on points, but Shaheen’s side progressed to the final thanks to their superior net run rate.
Gold will now face Shadab Khan-led Rivaj Pakistan Greens in the tournament final at the same venue on Tuesday. The toss is scheduled for 2:30pm, with the first ball expected to be bowled at 3pm.
Shaheen leads from the front
After winning the toss, Pakistan Gold captain Shaheen Shah Afridi opted to put Whites into bat and then led his bowling attack from the very beginning.
The left-arm pacer delivered a match-winning spell, finishing with 3-26 from eight overs. His accuracy and ability to strike at crucial moments kept Whites under constant pressure and prevented them from putting together a substantial total.
Mohammad Imran also played his part with 1-25 from five overs, while Razaullah returned 1-25 from six overs.
The spin department then kept the pressure firmly on Whites. Mubasir Khan picked up two wickets for 29 runs from his 10 overs, while Faisal Akram claimed two for 48 from 9.4 overs.
Whites struggled to build partnerships throughout their innings and were eventually bowled out for 172 in 41.4 overs.
Hasan provides the resistance
Pakistan Whites lost early wickets and were unable to establish a strong platform at the top of the order.
Shahzaib Khan, Haseebullah and Usman Khan all returned to the pavilion after scoring in single figures, leaving Whites in trouble.
Hasan Nawaz walked in during the 13th over and attempted to rebuild the innings. He found some support from Saim Ayub, who scored 28 from 39 balls with four boundaries.
Saim, however, departed in the 15th over, while Khushdil Shah was dismissed in the 22nd, leaving Hasan with the responsibility of carrying the innings.
Hasan remained composed and eventually top-scored for Whites with 55 from 74 deliveries, hitting three fours and two sixes.
His most useful partnership came with Saad Masood, who contributed 20 from 21 balls. The pair added 45 runs for the sixth wicket, giving Whites some hope of posting a competitive total.
But just as the partnership began to provide momentum, Shaheen struck.
The Gold captain removed Hasan for his second wicket before dismissing Mohammad Wasim Jnr for 18 to complete his three-wicket haul.
Faisal Akram then took charge at the other end, removing Saqib Khan and Ali Raza as Whites lost their final four wickets for just 24 runs.
The innings ended at 172, leaving Gold with a target of 173.
Gold suffer early setbacks
The chase began with a few nervous moments for Gold.
Opening batters Shamyl Hussain and Mohammad Akhlaq both scored 15, but neither could convert their starts into a significant contribution.
By the time the score reached 61, Gold had already lost three wickets, leaving the qualification equation under pressure.
Kamran Ghulam then provided an important contribution with a 26-ball 30, giving the middle order some breathing room.
But with the required run rate and net run rate equation still in play, Gold needed someone to take control of the chase.
That player turned out to be Haider Ali.
Haider Ali delivers under pressure
Haider Ali walked in at number five and immediately showed the intent required in a must-win game.
Alongside Saad Khan, he built the partnership that effectively took the game away from Whites.
The right-left combination frustrated the Whites bowlers as Haider attacked the loose deliveries while Saad provided stability at the other end.
The pair added 86 runs together, completely changing the complexion of the chase.
Haider was particularly aggressive, striking seven fours and three sixes during his unbeaten 69 from just 48 balls.
Saad Khan, meanwhile, played a crucial supporting role, scoring 33 from 55 deliveries with three fours.
The partnership not only brought Gold closer to victory but also kept them comfortably ahead of the required qualification rate.
Gold cruise into the final
Mohammad Wasim Jnr eventually broke the partnership by dismissing Saad Khan in the 25th over, while Ali Raza removed Abdul Samad in the following over.
But by then, the damage had already been done.
Haider continued to attack and ensured there was no late drama. Gold reached 173 for five in 28 overs, completing the chase 25 balls before the required qualification mark.
The five-wicket victory confirmed their place in the final and completed a remarkable turnaround after losing their first two matches.
Wasim Jnr finished with two wickets for Whites, while Ali Raza, Saim Ayub and Shahnawaz Dahani took one wicket each.
Greens await in the final
Pakistan Gold’s victory sets up a final against tournament leaders Rivaj Pakistan Greens, led by Shadab Khan.
Greens had already secured their place in the top two before the final league game, while Gold’s dramatic improvement in net run rate on Sunday ensured they would join them in the title clash.
For Shaheen Afridi and his team, the final represents an opportunity to turn a difficult start into a championship-winning campaign.
The National Champions Cup final will be played at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, 18 August, with the toss scheduled for 2:30pm and play beginning at 3:00pm.
Scores in Brief
UOL Pakistan Whites – 172 all out, 41.4 overs
Hasan Nawaz 55, Saim Ayub 28, Saad Masood 20, Mohammad Wasim Jnr 18
Shaheen Shah Afridi 3/26, Mubasir Khan 2/29, Faisal Akram 2/48, Mohammad Imran 1/25, Razaullah 1/25
Sparco Paints Pakistan Gold – 173/5, 28 overs
Haider Ali 69*, Saad Khan 33, Kamran Ghulam 30
Mohammad Wasim Jnr 2 wickets, Ali Raza 1, Saim Ayub 1, Shahnawaz Dahani 1
Result: Pakistan Gold won by five wickets
Player of the Match: Shaheen Shah Afridi
