(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Pakistan Shaheens Dominate Bangladesh ‘A’ to Win Top End T20 Series Opener by 79 Runs
Darwin, August 15, 2025 – Pakistan Shaheens kicked off the Top End T20 Series with a commanding 79-run victory over Bangladesh ‘A’ at Darwin’s TIO Stadium on Thursday, thanks to explosive batting and a strong performance from their spinners.
Shaheens Post Massive Total
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Shaheens scored a formidable 227 for four in 20 overs. Openers Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (61 off 31 balls, 8x4s, 2x6s) and Yasir Khan (62 off 40 balls, 7x4s, 2x6s) shared a blistering 118-run partnership in just 11.1 overs.
Later, Abdul Samad smashed an unbeaten 56 off 27 balls (1×4, 5x6s), adding a quick 36-run partnership with captain Muhammad Irfan Khan (25 off 12 balls) to push the total beyond 200.
Shaheens’ Spinners Seal the Victory
Bangladesh ‘A’ made a brisk start, reaching 92 for one in seven overs, but Maaz Sadaqat struck in the eighth over, removing opener Jishan Alam (33 off 17 balls) and breaking an 86-run partnership.
The Shaheens’ spin duo then took full control:
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Faisal Akram: 3-19
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Saad Masood: 3-30
Fast bowler Mohammad Wasim Jnr contributed 2-24, as Bangladesh ‘A’ were bowled out for 148 in 16.5 overs.
Next Fixture
Pakistan Shaheens will face the Scorchers on Saturday, 16 August, at the same venue, with the first ball scheduled for 4pm local time.
Player of the Match
Yasir Khan earned Player of the Match honours for his impactful innings of 62 runs.
Score Summary
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Pakistan Shaheens: 227-4, 20 overs (Yasir Khan 62, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay 61, Abdul Samad 56*)
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Bangladesh ‘A’: 148 all out, 16.5 overs (Mohammad Saif Hassan 57, Jishan Alam 33; Faisal Akram 3-19, Saad Masood 3-30, Mohammad Wasim Jnr 2-24)
Playing XI
Pakistan Shaheens: Yasir Khan, Khawaja Nafay (WK), Abdul Samad, Mohammad Faiq, Maaz Sadaqat, Irfan Khan (C), Saad Masood, Shahid Aziz, Mohammad Wasim, Ubaid Shah, Faisal Akram
Bangladesh ‘A’: Nurul Hasan (WK/C), Jishan Alam, Saif Hassan, Afif Hossain, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby, Mrittunjoy Chowdhury, Hasan Mahmud, Ripon Mondol, Rakibul Hasan, Mohammad Naim Sheikh
