Pakistan Shaheens defeated Bangladesh A by 79 runs in the opening match of the Top End T20 Series at Darwin’s TIO Stadium on Thursday.
According to details, half-centuries by Abdul Samad, Khawaja Muhammad Nafi, and Yasir Khan, along with a combined seven wickets from the spinners, played a key role in this victory.
After deciding to bat first, the Shaheens set a splendid target of 227 runs for the loss of four wickets in 20 overs. Openers Khawaja Nafi (61 runs, 31 balls, 8 fours, 2 sixes) and Yasir Khan (62 runs, 40 balls, 7 fours, 2 sixes) formed an aggressive partnership of 118 runs in just 11.1 overs.
Similarly, Abdul Samad scored an unbeaten 56 runs off 27 balls (1 four, 5 sixes) and, along with captain Mohammad Irfan Khan (25 runs, 12 balls, 1 four, 3 sixes), added 36 runs for the fourth wicket, taking the total past 200.
In reply, despite losing their first wicket in the opening over, Bangladesh A made a quick start and reached 92 runs in seven overs. Left-arm spinner Moazz Sadaqat broke the 86-run second-wicket stand in the eighth over by dismissing Jishan Alam (33 runs, 17 balls, 5 fours, 1 six).
After that, the Shaheens’ spinners took control. Faisal Akram (3-19) and Saad Masood (3-30) bowled brilliantly, while fast bowler Mohammad Wasim Jr. contributed with 2-24, and Bangladesh A were all out for 148 runs in 16.5 overs.
Pakistan Shaheens will now face the Scorchers at the same venue in their next match on Saturday, August 16. The match will start at 4 p.m. local time.
