The National Champions Cup 2026-2027 kicked off with an impressive performance from Fakhar Zaman, as the left-handed opener led PCB Greens to a five-wicket victory over PCB Whites at Multan Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. Chasing a target of 277 runs, the Greens successfully reached their goal, thanks in large part to Zaman's explosive batting display.
Fakhar Zaman's innings was nothing short of spectacular, as he scored 123 runs off 104 balls, hitting 18 boundaries and two sixes. This remarkable performance marked his 20th List A century, achieved in just 76 deliveries, making it the second-fastest century of his career. The only faster century came during the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup when he smashed a 63-ball hundred against New Zealand.
With this century, Fakhar Zaman joined an elite group of Pakistani batsmen, becoming only the sixth player in the country’s history to reach 20 or more List A hundreds. He now stands alongside notable names such as Babar Azam, Khurram Manzoor, Saeed Anwar, Salman Butt, and Kamran Akmal.
The innings began with a solid partnership, as Fakhar and Sameer Minhas (24) put together a 90-run opening stand in just 14 overs. Although Khushdil Shah broke the partnership by bowling Minhas, Fakhar continued his assault on the bowling attack. He reached his half-century in 39 balls and completed his century with a boundary and a double off Ali Raza in the 21st over.
Fakhar's innings included a significant 67-run partnership for the second wicket with Omair bin Yousuf (8) before he was finally dismissed by Shahnawaz Dahani in the 29th over. Following his departure, debutant Farhan Yousuf made an immediate impact, scoring 38 runs with three consecutive boundaries off Dahani in the 33rd over. Saad Baig contributed a valuable 22 runs, while captain Shadab Khan (34*) and Faheem Ashraf (11*) ensured the Greens crossed the finish line with an over to spare.
Earlier in the match, PCB Whites had batted first and set a competitive total of 276-8 in their 50 overs. The innings was anchored by half-centuries from Shahzaib Khan (76), Hasan Nawaz (56), and Khushdil Shah (51). Despite losing early wickets, Shahzaib's resilience helped stabilize the innings, forming a 78-run partnership with Usman Khan (34) for the third wicket.
As the innings progressed, Hasan Nawaz and Khushdil Shah combined for a 77-run stand for the fifth wicket, putting the Whites in a strong position at 200-4 in the 40th over. However, a late collapse saw them lose four wickets for just 35 runs in the final 40 balls, thanks to a spirited effort from the Greens' pace attack. Naseem Shah was particularly effective, taking 3 wickets for 46 runs, while Faheem Ashraf and Saad Masood contributed with two wickets each.
Ultimately, the total set by PCB Whites proved insufficient against the formidable batting display from Fakhar Zaman and the PCB Greens, who secured a convincing win on the opening day of the tournament.
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