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LAHORE - Shaheen Shah Afridi-led Sparco Paints Pakistan Gold produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat UOL Pakistan Whites by five wickets and book their place in the National Champions Cup 2026-27 final at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Sunday. Needing to chase 173 in 32.1 overs to qualify on net run rate after losing their opening two matches, Pakistan Gold comfortably reached the target in 28 overs, with 132 balls to spare, edging Pakistan Blues and Whites for the second spot in the final. Pakistan Gold will now face Shadab Khan-led Rivaj Pakistan Greens in Tuesday’s title clash at the same venue. Captain Shaheen led from the front after winning the toss and electing to field, returning impressive figures of 3-26 in eight overs. He received excellent support from spinner Mubasir Khan (2-29), Faisal Akram (2-48), Mohammad Imran and Razaullah as Pakistan Whites were restricted to 172. Hasan Nawaz fought a lone battle with a resilient 55, while Saim Ayub chipped in with 28. A 45-run sixth-wicket partnership between Hasan and Saad Masood (20) briefly steadied the innings before Pakistan Gold’s bowlers wrapped up the tail. The chase began shakily as Gold slipped to 61-3, but Haider Ali played a match-winning unbeaten 69 off 48 balls, striking seven fours and three sixes. He shared a crucial 86-run fourth-wicket partnership with Saad Khan, whose patient 33 anchored the innings, while Kamran Ghulam added a valuable 30. Pakistan Gold completed the chase with ease to secure a memorable victory and a place in the championship final, completing a remarkable turnaround after a difficult start to the tournament.