(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Perth Scorchers Defeat Pakistan Shaheens by 48 Runs in Top End T20 Semi-Final
Darwin
The Perth Scorchers secured a dominant 48-run victory over Pakistan Shaheens in the first semi-final of the Top End T20 Series at Darwin’s Gardens on Sunday, marking the Shaheens’ second consecutive semi-final exit in the tournament.
After winning the toss, the Scorchers posted 155 for eight in their 20 overs. Despite a mid-innings wobble that saw them lose six wickets for just 69 runs, Nicholas Hobson (59 off 43 balls) and Matthew Kelly (23 off 19 balls) staged a vital recovery, adding 44 runs for the seventh wicket. Hobson’s innings featured seven boundaries and two sixes, while Kelly hit a four and two sixes to help the team reach a competitive total.
Shaheens’ spin attack, led by Saad Masood (3-21), Mehran Mumtaz (2-18), and Mohammad Wasim Jr. (2-35), kept the Scorchers in check during the middle overs, with left-arm spinner Faisal Akram picking up one wicket for 36 runs.
Chasing 156, the Shaheens struggled early, losing three wickets for just 17 runs in the first five overs. Khawaja Nafay (26 off 24 balls) and captain Muhammad Irfan Khan (17 off 15 balls) staged a fightback, adding 38 runs for the fourth wicket. However, wickets fell quickly after their dismissals, and the Shaheens were bowled out for 107 in 17.1 overs. Mohammad Wasim Jr. contributed 25 runs with three boundaries and a six before being the last man out.
For the Scorchers, Keaton Critchell starred with the ball, taking three wickets, while Bryce Jackson and Matthew Kelly picked up two each. Critchell’s performance earned him the Player of the Match award.
Prior to the semi-final, Pakistan Shaheens had finished second in the 11-team tournament, winning four of their six group matches.
Match Summary:
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Perth Scorchers: 155-8 (20 overs) – Nicholas Hobson 59, Teague Wills 29, Matthew Kelly 23; Saad Masood 3-21, Mehran Mumtaz 2-18, Mohammad Wasim Jr. 2-35
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Pakistan Shaheens: 107 all out (17.1 overs) – Khawaja Nafay 26, Mohammad Wasim Jr. 25; Keaton Critchell 3-13, Matthew Kelly 2-8, Bryce Jackson 2-14
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Result: Perth Scorchers won by 48 runs
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Player of the Match: Keaton Critchell (Perth Scorchers)
