Pakistan Shaheens kicked off their Top End T20 series campaign with a hard-fought 17-run win over Perth Scorchers at the DXC Arena on Saturday.
Chasing a challenging target of 189, Perth Scorchers struggled early as they lost Teague Wyllie (4 off 5 balls) and Sam Fanning (13 off 11 balls) within the first four overs. The Shaheens’ bowlers maintained pressure, and despite a brief resistance, the Scorchers’ chase fell short.
The Scorchers’ middle order showed some fight with Joel Curtis (17 off 21 balls) and Corey Wasley (54 off 27 balls) putting up a 58-run stand for the fourth wicket. Wasley, in particular, was aggressive, striking six fours and three sixes to keep the Scorchers in the hunt. However, his dismissal by Jahandad Khan in the 12th over, shortly after Arif Yaqoob broke the partnership, put the Shaheens back in control.
Despite a late surge from Baxter Holt (24 off 21 balls) and Keaton Critchell (24 off 18 balls), the Scorchers couldn’t maintain the required run rate. Holt fell to Mohammad Abbas Afridi in the 16th over, and though Matthew Spoors tried to rally with an unbeaten 27 off 15 balls, the Scorchers ultimately finished 17 runs short, managing 171-7 in their 20 overs.
Abbas Afridi and Jahandad Khan were the pick of the bowlers for Shaheens, each claiming two wickets, while Mohammad Imran Jnr and Arif Yaqoob chipped in with a wicket apiece.
Earlier in the match, after winning the toss and opting to bat, Pakistan Shaheens posted a formidable total of 188-7 in their allotted 20 overs. Usman Khan was the standout performer, anchoring the innings with a well-crafted 57 off 35 balls, which included four boundaries and three sixes.
The Shaheens’ innings had a rocky start, with both openers Haseebullah (12 off 10 balls) and Tayyab Tahir (5 off 11 balls) dismissed during the powerplay, leaving the team at 47-2. Skipper Mohammad Haris (25 off 19 balls) and Usman Khan then stabilized the innings with a 45-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Arafat Minhas provided a late boost with a brisk 31 off 16 balls, including three fours and a six. Usman and Arafat’s quick departures threatened to derail the innings, but Mohammad Abbas Afridi’s cameo of 12 not out off 3 balls, featuring two sixes, helped the Shaheens finish strong.
For the Scorchers, Matthew Spoors was the most successful bowler, taking three wickets, while Keaton Critchell, Luke Holt, Lucas Martin, and Jhye Richardson each picked up one wicket.
With this victory, Pakistan Shaheens have gained momentum as they prepare to face Melbourne Stars in their next match tomorrow.
Leave a Reply