Shaheens Elect to Bat Following Toss Victory Against Bangladesh

DARWIN: Pakistan Shaheens have announced their starting XI for the Top End T20 Series inaugural match against Bangladesh ‘A’ at TIO Stadium on Thursday. After winning the toss, Shaheens have decided to bat first.

Emerging batsmen Khawaja Nafay and Yasir Khan will inaugurate the innings, with Abdul Samad and Muhammad Faiq slated to bat at the third and fourth positions, respectively.

The middle order will be controlled by Maaz Sadaqat, captain Mohammad Irfan Khan, and Saad Masood.

Regarding bowling, the team has opted for a predominantly pace-oriented attack. This includes Shahid Aziz, Mohammad Wasim Jr, and Ubaid Shah, complemented by left-arm spinner Faisal Akram.

The Top End T20 Series has a record number of 11 participating teams, including five Big Bash League (BBL) Academy teams, three international teams, and local Australian teams.

The BBL 14 champions, Hobart Hurricanes Academy, are leading the pack, followed by the academies of Perth Scorchers, Melbourne Stars, Melbourne Renegades, and Adelaide Strikers.

Internationally, Nepal’s national team, Pakistan Shaheens, Bangladesh ‘A’, and the USA-based Chicago Kingsmen will participate, alongside Australian domestic teams ACT Comets and NT Strike.

Following their opening match, the Irfan-led Shaheens will compete against the Scorchers on August 16 and the Renegades on August 18, both at TIO Stadium.

Their remaining group matches feature clashes against the Kingsmen on August 19, Strikers on August 21, and Nepal on August 22 at DXC Arena. The semi-finals and final are scheduled for August 24.

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.