Pakistan Shaheens Dominate with Explosive Batting Display

DARWIN: Pakistan Shaheens initiated their Top End T20 Series campaign impressively, amassing a formidable 227-4 in 20 overs against Bangladesh ‘A’ at the TIO Stadium on Thursday. This high score was propelled by striking half-centuries from Khawaja Nafay, Yasir Khan, and Abdul Samad.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat, the Shaheens benefited from a powerful opening partnership as Khawaja Nafay, the wicketkeeper-batter, and Yasir Khan attacked the opposition’s bowling.

Their aggressive play led to a quick century partnership, placing Bangladesh under considerable pressure. Both batsmen achieved their fifties before Bangladesh managed to break through, with Nafay being run out by Hasan Mahmud after scoring a brilliant 61 off 31 balls, which included eight boundaries and two sixes. His dismissal left the score at 118-1 in the 12th over.

Yasir was soon dismissed afterward, having scored a well-made 62 from 40 balls, decorated with seven fours and a pair of sixes.

Following this, Abdul Samad, along with Mohammad Faiq, took command, punishing the bowlers with an array of impressive shots. Samad hit three sixes in a single over bowled by Mohammad Saif Hassan, pushing the total beyond 150 in the 14th over.

The duo contributed 59 runs before Faiq was caught out by Rakibul Hasan for 18 from 10 balls, with the scoreboard reading 188-3. Samad sustained his vigorous hitting, reaching his half-century in just 23 balls.

Captain Irfan Khan added a brisk 25 from 12 balls before becoming Hasan Mahmud’s first wicket, leaving the Shaheens at 224-4 in the final over. Saad Masood faced the last ball, while Samad ended the innings undefeated on 56 from 27 balls, having hit one four and five sixes.

For Bangladesh, Rakibul Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, and Mahfuzur Rahman each secured one wicket.

Pakistan Shaheens playing XI: Khawaja Nafay (wk), Yasir Khan, Abdul Samad, Muhammad Faiq, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Irfan Khan (c), Saad Masood, Shahid Aziz, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Ubaid Shah, Faisal Akram.