Chicago Kingsmen Secure Victory in Top End T20 Series

DARWIN: Chicago Kingsmen, propelled by an explosive innings from opening batsman Sharjeel Khan, achieved a comfortable seven-wicket win against Northern Territory Strike in the Top End T20 Series at the Gardens Oval on Thursday.

NT Strike’s Innings

Initially batting, NT Strike were limited to 131-8 in their allotted 20 overs. Tom Andrews, a middle-order batter, was the highest scorer with 48 runs from 38 balls, including four boundaries and one six.

Connor Carroll, the opener, contributed 34 runs off 26 deliveries, with one four and three sixes, but the remaining batsmen couldn’t provide substantial scores.

Kingsmen’s Bowling Performance

For Kingsmen, Asif Mehmood shone with the ball, achieving impressive stats of 3-17 in his four overs. Hassan Khan and Scott Kuggeleijn offered good support, each securing two wickets.

Kingsmen’s Chase

In response, the Kingsmen’s opening duo, Sharjeel Khan and Shayan Jahangir, provided their team with a rapid start, forming a 108-run partnership. Jahangir was run out after scoring a quick 47 off only 23 balls, hitting four boundaries and four maximums.

Sharjeel maintained his strong performance, achieving a well-made half-century before being dismissed for 60 runs from 42 balls, comprising five fours and three sixes.

Syed Saad Ali scored 10 runs from 12 balls before being taken out by Hamish Martin, leaving Kingsmen at 130-3 in the 14th over.

However, Asif Mehmood (11*) and Milind Kumar (4*) ensured a smooth finish, as Kingsmen successfully chased the target in just 14.3 overs.

Kingsmen’s Position

With this victory, the Hammad Azam-led Kingsmen have preserved their dominance at the top of the points table, now with five consecutive wins. They hold a strong position with 10 points and a net run rate of 1.803.

The Kingsmen are scheduled to play their final league-stage match against Hobart Hurricanes Academy on August 23.