Pakistan Shaheens clinched their fourth win in the Top End T20 series, defeating Bangladesh ‘A’ by three wickets in a closely contested match at the TIO Stadium on Friday evening. This victory marks Shaheens’ third successive win, following their triumphs over Tasmania and Melbourne Renegades.
Chasing a target of 142, Shaheens got off to a flying start, thanks to their opening pair of Mohammad Haris and Sahibzada Farhan. The duo stitched together a brisk 47-run partnership in just 34 balls, setting a solid foundation for the chase. Haris, the aggressive right-hander, was the first to depart after a fiery 32 off 18 balls, which included two boundaries and three towering sixes. Farhan, who played a more subdued role, was dismissed after scoring 17 off 21 balls.
The Shaheens stumbled slightly in the middle order as Abdul Faseeh contributed just nine runs, leaving the team at 65 for three in 8.3 overs. However, Omair Bin Yousuf and Usman Khan steadied the innings with a crucial 46-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Usman, who scored 16 off 19 balls, including one boundary, fell soon after, followed by quick dismissals of Mubasir (two off five), Omair (37 off 29 balls, with three fours and one six), and Mohammad Abbas Afridi (zero). This left the Shaheens in a precarious position at 123 for seven in 17 overs.
In the end, it was Muhammad Irfan Khan and Jahandad Khan who guided the Shaheens to victory, achieving the target with eight balls to spare.
Earlier, after winning the toss and opting to bowl first, Shaheens restricted Bangladesh ‘A’ to 141 for five, thanks to an exceptional performance by left-arm wrist spinner Faisal Akram. Faisal delivered a masterful spell, finishing with figures of 4-0-10-3, including 15 dot balls. His efforts were supported by Abbas and Mubasir, who took one wicket each.
For Bangladesh ‘A,’ Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby and Shamim Hossain provided some resistance with an unbroken 83-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Mahfuzur scored 41 off 32 balls, including five boundaries and a six, while Shamim top-scored with 44 off 38 balls, hitting five fours.
With this win, Pakistan Shaheens continue their impressive run in the tournament and will now face ACT Comets in their next match at the DXC Arena tomorrow.
Scores in brief:
Pakistan Shaheens won by three wickets
Bangladesh ‘A’ 141-5, 20 overs (Shamim Hossain 44 not out, Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby 41 not out, Parvez Hossain Emon 27; Faisal Akram 3-10)
Pakistan Shaheens 143-7, 18.4 overs (Omair Bin Yousuf 37, Mohammad Haris 32)
Next Match: Pakistan Shaheens vs. ACT Comets at DXC Arena, 18 August 2024.
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