Renegades Choose to Bowl First Against Shaheens After Winning Toss

DARWIN: Pakistan Shaheens have announced their starting XI for their third Top End T20 Series match against Melbourne Renegades at TIO Stadium on Monday.

The Shaheens have made a single adjustment to their lineup, with Mubasir Khan replacing Shahid Aziz.

The opening batting pair will consist of emerging talents Khawaja Nafay and Yasir Khan, followed by Abdul Samad and Muhammad Faiq batting at the third and fourth positions, respectively.

Maaz Sadaqat, captain Mohammad Irfan Khan, and Saad Masood are slated to solidify the middle order.

Regarding the bowling attack, the team has opted for a predominantly pace-focused strategy, featuring Mohammad Wasim Jr and Ubaid Shah, while left-arm spinner Faisal Akram will provide spin options.

The Irfan-led Shaheens commenced their campaign impressively with a convincing victory over Bangladesh ‘A’, amassing 227-4 in 20 overs and then dismissing their opponents for 148, securing a 79-run win.

However, in their subsequent match, the Shaheens struggled with the bat, scoring only 111 in 18.5 overs. Despite Faisal Akram’s remarkable five-wicket performance, Perth Scorchers successfully chased down the target in 18.1 overs, with two wickets remaining.

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