Pakistan Shaheens opened their Top End T20 Series campaign in Darwin with a statement victory, thumping Bangladesh ‘A’ by 79 runs on Thursday night at the TIO Stadium. It was a performance built on power hitting at the top and ruthless spin bowling in the middle overs.
Top Order Tears Into Bangladesh Attack
Sent in to bat, the Shaheens wasted no time asserting dominance. Openers Khawaja Mohammad Nafay and Yasir Khan tore into the bowling, piling up 118 runs in just over 11 overs. Yasir’s 62 off 40 balls and Nafay’s 61 from 31 deliveries were laced with boundaries—17 in total, including four towering sixes.
The momentum barely dipped when they departed. Abdul Samad’s unbeaten 56 from 27 balls, featuring five maximums, kept the scoring rate in overdrive. A brisk cameo from skipper Muhammad Irfan Khan (25 off 12) ensured Pakistan closed on a daunting 227 for four—well above par in Darwin’s conditions.
Bangladesh Start Strong, But Spinners Shut the Door
Chasing 228, Bangladesh ‘A’ showed early intent, shrugging off the loss of an early wicket to reach 92 for one inside seven overs. Mohammad Saif Hassan (57) and Jishan Alam (33) threatened to turn the chase into a contest until left-arm spinner Maaz Sadaqat struck in the eighth over, breaking their 86-run stand.
From that point, Pakistan’s spin unit suffocated the innings. Faisal Akram’s 3 for 19 and Saad Masood’s 3 for 30 dismantled the middle order, while Mohammad Wasim Jnr chipped in with two wickets. The visitors folded for 148 in 16.5 overs.
What’s Next
The Shaheens, brimming with confidence, face the Scorchers next on Saturday at the same venue, with play set to begin at 4pm local time.
Match Summary
- Pakistan Shaheens: 227-4 in 20 overs (Yasir Khan 62, Khawaja M. Nafay 61, Abdul Samad 56*, M. 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)
- Result: Pakistan Shaheens won by 79 runs