Farhan, Moqim and Hasan star as Pakistan Blues make winning start in National Champions Cup

Pakistan Blues made a confident start to the National Champions Cup 2026-27, defeating Pakistan Gold by six wickets at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

Chasing 213 for victory, Blues reached their target in 41.4 overs, leaving 50 deliveries unused. Captain Sahibzada Farhan led the way with a superb century, while the bowlers had earlier produced a clinical display to restrict Gold to 212.

The result gives Blues early momentum in the tournament, with their next assignment coming against University of Lahore Whites on Thursday. The match is scheduled to begin at 3pm.

How did Sahibzada Farhan dominate the chase?

Sahibzada Farhan produced the defining performance of the match, scoring 102 from 101 deliveries to register his ninth List A century.

The Blues captain played a measured innings, combining patience with timely aggression. His knock included nine fours and two sixes and ensured his side never lost control of the chase.

Farhan initially added 30 runs with Maaz Sadaqat before Muhammad Imran removed the opener for nine in the sixth over. He then joined forces with Muhammad Faiq, who scored 30 from 35 balls, and the pair added 55 runs.

After Faiq was bowled by Faisal Akram in the 17th over, Farhan continued alongside Tayyab Tahir. Their 64-run partnership further eased the pressure before Tayyab was dismissed for 35.

Farhan reached his half-century from 54 balls and eventually completed three figures. His innings ended soon after, however, as Muhammad Imran claimed his second wicket in the 38th over.

Who helped Pakistan Blues cross the finish line?

Although Farhan's dismissal came with victory within touching distance, Rohail Nazir ensured there was no late twist.

Rohail remained unbeaten on 21 from 36 balls, striking a four and a six. He added the final 19 runs with Muhammad Irfan Khan as Blues completed the chase in the 42nd over.

Farhan was named Player of the Match for his match-winning contribution.

How did Pakistan Gold throw away a promising start?

Gold initially appeared to be in a strong position after reaching 100 for one, but their innings collapsed dramatically in the second half.

Kamran Ghulam and Shamyl Hussain gave Gold a solid platform by adding 75 runs for the second wicket. Shamyl scored 50 from 47 balls, while Kamran made 63 from 85 deliveries.

Shamyl's dismissal in the 21st over started the slide. Sufyan Moqim induced a mistimed shot and Tayyab Tahir completed an outstanding catch at midwicket.

Kamran subsequently fell to Arafat Minhas for 63, and Gold's middle order struggled to resist the Blues attack. Haider Ali offered some resistance with 44 from 52 balls, but wickets continued to tumble.

Gold ultimately lost nine wickets for 112 runs and were bowled out for 212 in 45.3 overs.

How did Sufyan Moqim and Hasan Ali wreck Gold's batting?

Sufyan Moqim and Hasan Ali were the standout bowlers for Blues, taking four wickets each.

Sufyan finished with 4-37 from his 10 overs, recording his fourth four-wicket haul in only his 21st List A match. He struck repeatedly during Gold's collapse, removing Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Abdul Samad and Muhammad Imran among his victims.

Hasan was equally impressive, claiming 4-32 in 8.3 overs while also bowling two maidens. He struck early by dismissing Saad Khan for nine before returning to remove Haider Ali and clean up the tail.

Left-arm spinner Arafat Minhas provided excellent support, finishing with 2-36 from 10 overs.For Gold, the challenge will be to address their dramatic middle- and lower-order collapse after establishing a strong platform at the top.