Lahore clinched the CM Punjab Champions League trophy after a dramatic two-wicket win over Multan in the final held at Jinnah Stadium in Gujranwala on Saturday. The side successfully chased a target of 198 to secure the championship title.
Chasing 198 for victory, Lahore reached 198-8 with just one ball to spare, finishing on 19.5 overs. Zain-ul-Hasnain anchored the chase with an unbeaten 119, while Zafar provided crucial support by contributing 33 runs to the total.
Multan had earlier posted a competitive 197-9 after electing to bat first. Their bowling attack, led by Ahmed, fought back intensely in the second innings; Ahmed claimed 5-25, a spell that included a hat-trick to rattle the Lahore lineup.
Following the match, a closing ceremony was held at the venue. Director General Sports Punjab Muhammad Tariq Qureshi and Lahore Qalandars owner Atif Rana attended the event as chief guests to distribute prizes to the participating teams and players.
Qureshi praised the tournament for its role in identifying emerging cricketing talent across the province. He noted that the competition was successfully hosted across multiple regions, including Multan, Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Lahore.
Atif Rana commended the Sports Board Punjab for the initiative, stating that the league serves as a vital platform for developing young cricketers. The event concluded with the presentation of the trophy to the victorious Lahore squad.
Brief scores: Multan 197-9 (20 overs) lost to Lahore 198-8 (19.5 overs; Zain-ul-Hasnain 119*, Zafar 33; Ahmed 5-25) by two wickets.
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