Irfan and Wasim Jr Forge Decisive Partnership

DARWIN: In the Top End T20 Series’ 30th match, held at Marrara Cricket Ground No 2 on Friday, Captain Muhammad Irfan Khan’s dynamic innings played a pivotal role in Pakistan Shaheens reaching a competitive score against Nepal.

After electing to bat, the Shaheens posted a total of 144/9 in their 20 overs.

The innings began poorly for the Green Shirts, with opener Maaz Sadaqat (one) and top-order batsman Mohammad Faiq (two) falling to Dipendra Singh Airee in a dramatic second over, leaving them at 4/2.

Following these quick dismissals, Yasir Khan and Abdul Samad initiated a recovery, adding 40 runs for the third wicket.

Kushal Bhurtel disrupted this developing partnership in the eighth over, removing Yasir Khan, who managed 18 runs from 21 balls.

The Shaheens then suffered a further setback, losing three more wickets quickly, including that of Samad (26), which saw them slump to 60/6 in 10.4 overs.

Irfan, batting at number seven, then took control of the Shaheens’ innings, pushing their total beyond 140. He led the scoring with an undefeated 42 from just 26 balls, which included three boundaries and a six.

Irfan also shared a vital 40-run partnership for the eighth wicket with Mohammad Wasim Jr, who contributed a significant 23 from 22 balls, hitting two fours and a six.

Sompal Kami was Nepal’s most effective bowler, claiming three wickets for 30 runs in his four overs. He received support from Nandan Yadav and Airee, who each took two wickets, while Bhurtel secured one.