Pakistan Shaheens Dominate Bangladesh ‘A’ in Top End T20 Series Opener

DARWIN: Pakistan Shaheens commenced their Top End T20 Series campaign impressively, amassing a substantial 227-4 in their 20-over match against Bangladesh ‘A’ at the TIO Stadium on Thursday. This performance was propelled by remarkable half-centuries delivered by Khawaja Nafay, Yasir Khan, and Abdul Samad.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, the Shaheens established a powerful start as Khawaja Nafay, the wicketkeeper-batter, and Yasir Khan aggressively took on the opposition’s bowling attack.

Their dynamic partnership resulted in a swift century stand, placing Bangladesh under considerable pressure.

Both opening batsmen achieved their half-centuries 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 a pair of sixes. This dismissal left the score at 118-1 in the 12th over.

Yasir was soon dismissed after a solid 62 off 40 deliveries, which featured seven fours and a pair of sixes.

Abdul Samad then partnered with Mohammad Faiq, punishing the bowlers with aggressive shots.

Samad hit three sixes in a single over bowled by Mohammad Saif Hassan, pushing the team’s total beyond 150 in the 14th over.

The duo contributed 59 runs before Faiq was caught out by Rakibul Hasan for 18 off 10 balls, with the score at 188-3.

Samad persisted with his forceful batting, achieving his half-century in just 23 balls.

Captain Irfan Khan added a brisk 25 from just 12 balls before being dismissed as Hasan Mahmud secured his first wicket, leaving the Shaheens at 224-4 in the 20th over.

Saad Masood faced the final ball, while Samad concluded the innings undefeated with 56 from 27 balls, hitting one four and five sixes.

For Bangladesh, Rakibul Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, and Mahfuzur Rahman each secured a single 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.