The former Tajik international, who recently recovered from a year-long injury, cautioned their Uzbekistan Cup final rivals with a brace in his side’s 4-1 victory over Shurtan in the Uzbekistan League on Tuesday. The two sides will meet in the summit clash on Saturday.

Alexander Geynrikh’s 14th minute opener for Pakhtakor was cancelled out by Georgiy Megreladze three minutes after the hour but Odil Ahmedov again put Pakhtakor ahead two minutes later.

Holmatov made it 3-1 in the 78th minute and completed his brace seven minutes before the final whistle.

Bunyodkor thrashed Sogdiana 3-0 to keep their 12-point lead over Pakhtakor in the standings after 17 rounds. Pakhtakor, however, have a match in hand.

Hayrulla Karimov (26), Victor Karpenko (52) and Timur Kapadze (73) were on target for the defending champions.

STANDINGS: 1. Bunyodkor 51, 2. Pakhtakor 39, 3. Nasaf 27, 4. Neftchi 26, 5. Almalyk 26.