Shaheens Register 3rd Consecutive Win in Top End T20 Series

News Desk 

DARWIN: Pakistan Shaheens clinched their fourth win in the Top End T20 series by defeating Bangladesh ‘A’ by three wickets at the TIO Stadium in Darwin on Friday evening.

This marked Shaheens’ third successive win after victories against Tasmania and Melbourne Renegades by five and four wickets, respectively.

Chasing a target of 142, Shaheens’ opening pair of Mohammad Haris and Sahibzada Farhan provided a brisk start with a 47-run partnership in just 34 balls.

Right-handed batter Haris was the first to return to the pavilion after scoring 32 off 18 balls, including two fours and three towering sixes. Farhan was dismissed after scoring 17 off 21 balls, which included one boundary.

Abdul Faseeh contributed just nine runs as Shaheens were at 65 for three in 8.3 overs. Omair Bin Yousuf and Usman Khan then added a crucial 46 runs for the fourth wicket.

Following Usman’s departure (19b, 16, 1×4), Mubasir (two off five), Omair (37 off 29 balls, including 3x4s, 1×6), and Mohammad Abbas Afridi (nought) fell in quick succession, leaving Shaheens at 123 for seven in 17 overs.

However, Muhammad Irfan Khan and Jahandad Khan helped Shaheens achieve the target with eight balls to spare.

Earlier, after opting to bowl first, Shaheens restricted Bangladesh ‘A’ to 141 for five, thanks to a three-wicket haul by left-arm wrist spinner Faisal Akram. Faisal ended with match figures of 4-0-10-3, including 15 dot balls, while Abbas and Mubasir snapped up one wicket each.

For Bangladesh ‘A,’ Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby and Shamim Hossain stitched an unbroken 83-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Mahfuzur scored 41 off 32 balls, hitting five fours and a six, while Shamim top-scored with a 38-ball 44, which included five fours.

Pakistan Shaheens will now take on ACT Comets in their next match on Saturday at the DXC Arena.

Pakistan Shaheens won by three wickets

Bangladesh ‘A’ 141-5, 20 overs (Shamim Hossain 44 not out, Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby 41 not out, Parvez Hossain Emon 27; Faisal Akram 3-10)

Pakistan Shaheens 143-7, 18.4 overs (Omair Bin Yousuf 37, Mohammad Haris 32)