In a commanding display of skill and teamwork, Pakistan Shaheens achieved an emphatic 224-run triumph over Papua New Guinea at the DXC Arena in Darwin on Tuesday afternoon. A sensational five-wicket haul by Faisal Akram, complemented by half-centuries from Arafat Minhas and Azan Awais, ensured the Shaheens’ dominance in the 50-over encounter.
Winning the toss and electing to bat, the Shaheens’ openers, Azan and Shamyl Hussain, laid a solid foundation with a robust 86-run partnership for the first wicket. Shamyl contributed a brisk 45 off 45 deliveries, including seven boundaries. Captain Rohail Nazir’s brief stay at the crease was curtailed to 2 runs from 5 balls, leaving Azan to anchor the innings.
Joined by Wahaj Riaz, Azan continued to consolidate the innings, forging a crucial 57-run alliance for the third wicket. Wahaj’s contribution of 36 from 35 balls, featuring 2 fours and a six, was terminated by Charles Amini in the 28th over. Azan’s pivotal innings of 72 off 94 balls, adorned with 6 boundaries, came to an end with the Shaheens at 170 for four in the 30th over.
Shawaiz Irfan’s departure for 13 off 12 balls was followed by Muhammad Irfan Khan’s confident knock of 41 off 40 balls, marked by 4 fours. The Shaheens’ total of 323 was substantially boosted by Arafat Minhas’ blistering 56 from 34 balls, which featured 7 fours and a six. Arafat’s partnership of 74 with Ahmed Khan (31 off 28 balls, 2 fours) propelled the team’s scoreboard.
Papua New Guinea’s bowling efforts were led by Charles Amini, who claimed three wickets for 61 runs.
In response, PNG’s batting lineup struggled to mount a challenge against the Shaheens’ bowlers, losing wickets at regular intervals. They were eventually bundled out for a meager 99 in 22 overs. Left-arm wrist spinner Faisal Akram emerged as the star, clinching an exceptional five-wicket haul by conceding only 17 runs in his five-over spell, which included 22 dot balls. Fast bowlers Ahmed Khan (3 for 43 in 6 overs) and Amir Hassan (2 for 24 in 6 overs) shared the remaining wickets.
The convincing victory propels the Shaheens to face the Northern Territory Strikes in a day-night fixture at the same venue. The 50-over contest is set to begin at 1330 local time. This fixture marks Shaheens’ final match in Australia before their return home.
Scores:
– Pakistan Shaheens: 323-8, 50 overs (Azan Awais 72, Arafat Minhas 56, Shamyl Hussain 45, Muhammad Irfan Khan 41; Charles Amini 3-61)
– Papua New Guinea: 99 all out, 22 overs (Asadollah Vala 23; Faisal Akram 5-17, Ahmed Khan 3-40, Amir Hassan 2-24)
Result: Pakistan Shaheens beat Papua New Guinea by 224 runs
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