Shaheens Edge Nepal by One Run in Last-Ball Thriller

News Desk

Islamabad: Pakistan Shaheens sealed a thrilling one-run victory over Nepal in a last-ball finish at the DXC Arena in Darwin on Friday evening, booking their place in the semi-finals scheduled for Sunday, 24 August.

Chasing 145, Nepal appeared in control after collecting 17 runs off Mohammad Salman’s 16th over, reducing the target to 37 from four overs. Mohammad Wasim Jnr conceded 10 runs each in the 17th and 19th overs, while Faisal Akram gave away nine in the 18th.

With eight needed from the final over, left-arm spinner Faisal held his nerve, conceding only six runs to clinch victory for Shaheens. The 22-year-old, who now shares the top wicket-takers’ spot in the tournament with 14 scalps, finished with figures of two for 29. Wasim also claimed two wickets.

Earlier, Pakistan Shaheens, opting to bat first, slipped to 74 for seven in 12.3 overs before captain Muhammad Irfan Khan and Wasim revived the innings with a 40-run eighth-wicket stand. Irfan remained unbeaten on 42 off 26 balls with three fours and a six, while Wasim contributed 23 off 22 balls. Abdul Samad added 26 runs as Shaheens posted 144 for nine in 20 overs.

For Nepal, Sompal Kami impressed with three for 30, while Dipendra Singh Airee (2-15) and Nandan Yadav (2-32) chipped in with two wickets each. In reply, Nepal managed 143 for seven, with Rohit Kumar Paudel top-scoring with 52, Airee adding 41, and Mahamad Asif Sheikh 27.

Scores in brief: Pakistan Shaheens 144-9, 20 overs (Muhammad Irfan Khan 42*, Abdul Samad 26, Mohammad Wasim Jnr 23; Sompal Kami 3-30, Dipendra Singh Airee 2-15, Nandan Yadav 2-32). Nepal 143-7, 20 overs (Rohit Kumar Paudel 52, Dipendra Singh Airee 41, Mahamad Asif Sheikh 27; Mohammad Wasim Jnr 2-28, Faisal Akram 2-29).