Shaheens Begin Top End T20 Series with 79-Run Win Over Bangladesh ‘A’
Pakistan Shaheens made a strong start to their Top End T20 Series campaign, defeating Bangladesh ‘A’ by 79 runs at the TIO Stadium in Darwin on Thursday. The win was built on dominant batting from Yasir Khan, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, and Abdul Samad, followed by disciplined bowling from the spin attack.
Batting Sets Up Big Total
After winning the toss, Shaheens opted to bat and posted an imposing 227 for four in 20 overs. Openers Nafay (61 off 31 balls) and Yasir (62 off 40) combined for a 118-run stand, setting a solid platform. Abdul Samad capitalised on the start with an unbeaten 56 off 27 deliveries, while captain Muhammad Irfan Khan chipped in with 25 off 12.
Early Threat from Bangladesh ‘A’
Chasing 228, Bangladesh ‘A’ began positively despite losing an early wicket, reaching 92 for one in the seventh over. Mohammad Saif Hassan top-scored with 57, while Jishan Alam added 33 during a strong second-wicket partnership of 86 runs.
Spinners Seal the Victory
The breakthrough came in the eighth over when Maaz Sadaqat dismissed Alam. From there, Shaheen’s bowlers took control. Left-arm spinner Faisal Akram returned figures of 3 for 19, Saad Masood picked up 3 for 30, and fast bowler Mohammad Wasim Jr claimed 2 for 24. Bangladesh ‘A’ were eventually bowled out for 148 in 16.5 overs.
What’s Next
The Shaheens will next face the Scorchers on Saturday, August 16, at TIO Stadium, with the match starting at 4:00 PM local time.
Scores in Brief:
Pakistan Shaheens 227-4 in 20 overs (Yasir Khan 62, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay 61, Abdul Samad 56*, Muhammad Irfan Khan 25)
Bangladesh ‘A’ 148 all out in 16.5 overs (Mohammad Saif Hassan 57, Jishan Alam 33; Faisal Akram 3-19, Saad Masood 3-30, Mohammad Wasim Jnr 2-24)
Player of the Match: Yasir Khan