In an impressive display of left-arm wrist spin, Faisal Akram delivered his second consecutive five-wicket performance, propelling Pakistan Shaheens to an 84-run victory over Northern Territory Strike at DXC Arena. This triumph marked the final match for Shaheens on Australian soil before their return home.
Having recently participated in the six-team Top End Series, where they suffered defeat in the final against NT Strike, Shaheens sought redemption in the two 50-over matches.
Opting to bat first, Shaheens witnessed a solid opening partnership of 53 runs between Azan Awais (36) and Basit Ali (33). However, after reaching 87 runs with the loss of both openers, Shaheens faced a setback, losing five wickets for 73 runs. A crucial 44-run partnership between Ahmed Khan (39) and Ali Asfand (42 not out) for the eighth wicket propelled Shaheens to a total of 232 all out in 47.3 overs.
In response, chasing a target of 233 runs, NT Strike faltered early, losing their opening batters with just seven runs on the board. A resilient effort from Jason Sangha (34) and Coby Edmonstone (65) added 79 runs for the third wicket. However, after the departure of Param Uppal (24), NT Strike experienced a collapse, losing seven wickets for a mere 21 runs.
Faisal Akram’s left-arm wrist spin proved to be NT Strike’s downfall, as he claimed five wickets for 37 runs in his 10-over spell, which included an impressive tally of 39 dot balls. Notably, Faisal had previously taken five wickets for 17 runs against Papua New Guinea.
Charlie Smith emerged as the key bowler for NT Strike, securing four wickets for 31 runs, while Jack Wood and Tom Menzies contributed two wickets each.
NT Strike’s innings concluded at 148 all out in 39.3 overs, granting Pakistan Shaheens a convincing 84-run victory. This marked Shaheens’ first triumph over NT Strike, following their earlier struggles in the Top End T20 Series.
Brief Scores:
Pakistan Shaheens: 232 all out in 47.3 overs (Ali Asfand 42 not out, Ahmed Khan 39, Azan Awais 36, Basit Ali 33; Charlie Smith 4-31, Tom Menzies 2-40, Jack Wood 2-55)
Northern Territory Strike: 148 all out in 39.3 overs (Coby Edmonstone 65, Jason Sangha 34, Param Uppal 24; Faisal Akram 5-37)
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