KARACHI: Mohammad Suleman slammed a fine unbeaten century while bowlers also did well as Pakistan Greens romped to their third successive victory when they crushed Pakistan Blues by a huge margin of 192 runs in their National Champions Cup outing at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

Suleman blasted 101 not out from 103 balls, his second List A century, to anchor Greens’ imposing 302-6. Saad Baig added 77 and Farhan Yousuf hit 51 as Greens posted their second successive 300 plus total.

Blues, chasing 303, were bowled out for 110 in 23.5 overs, with Faheem Ashraf taking 3-14 and Mohammad Hasnain and Mohammad Salman Mirza claiming two wickets each.

The result leaves Greens firmly at the top of the standings and already assured of a place in the August 18 final.

Pakistan Whites, currently second, will meet Pakistan Gold on Sunday in the final league match. Whites have a net run rate of -0.002 compared with Blues’ -1.093, meaning the outcome and margin of victory will determine which side joins Greens in the final.

Greens made two changes after securing their place in the title match, resting Fakhar Zaman and Naseem Shah. Suleman replaced Fakhar while Arshad Iqbal came in for Naseem.

After choosing to bat, Greens lost Sameer Minhas for 17 and Omair Bin Yousuf for 33 before Suleman and Baig took control of the situation.

The pair added 135 for the third wicket stand, with Suleman batting patiently while Baig showing aggression. Baig’s 77 came from 73 deliveries and included five fours and three sixes.

Suleman then combined with Farhan Yousuf for another rapid 90 runs partnership. Farhan’s 51 from 41 balls, including four fours and two sixes, helped lift Greens from 200-3 in the 36th over to 290 in the 49th.

Suleman reached his century, finishing with eight fours and a six.

Hasan Ali was the most successful Blues bowler with 2-37 while Mohammad Faiq, Arafat Minhas, Ahmed Daniyal and Sufyan Muqeem took one wicket apiece.

Blues’ chase suffered an early setback when Maaz Sadaqat was run out by Arshad Iqbal in the second over.

Faheem Ashraf then struck three times in the space of five overs. He removed Sahibzada Farhan (19) and Mohammad Faiq (18) before returning to dismiss Muhammad Irfan Khan for two.

Shadab Khan also claimed the wicket of Tayyab Tahir (14), leaving Blues at 58-5 in the 13th over.

Arafat Minhas provided the main resistance, scoring 38 from 40 balls with three fours and two sixes. He shared a 30-run partnership with Hasan Ali, but Blues could not sustain the recovery.

Hasnain removed Taimur Khan and Ahmed Daniyal in the 14th over, effectively ending any prospect of a comeback. Mirza added two wickets as Greens completed a comprehensive victory.

Suleman was named player of the match.

The tournament’s final league fixture between Pakistan Gold and Pakistan Whites will be played at the same venue on Sunday, with the final scheduled for August 18.

Summarised scores
Pakistan Greens 302-6 in 50 overs (Mohammad Suleman 101 not out, Saad Baig 77, Farhan Yousuf 51; Hasan Ali 2-37)

Pakistan Blues 110 all out in 23.5 overs (Arafat Minhas 38; Faheem Ashraf 3-14, Mohammad Salman Mirza 2-23, Mohammad Hasnain 2-24).

Result: Pakistan Greens beat Pakistan Blues by 192 runs

Player of the match: Mohammad Suleman (Pakistan Greens)