Darwin, August 20, 2025: A dazzling century from opener Maaz Sadaqat and a clinical bowling display powered Pakistan Shaheens to a thumping 107-run victory over Adelaide Strikers in their fifth match of the Top End T20 Series at DXC Arena on Wednesday.
Chasing 203, the Strikers crumbled for just 95 in 16.1 overs, undone by disciplined bowling and sharp fielding. Their slide began early when Shahid Aziz removed Josh Kann for a second-ball duck. Mubasir Khan then struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Ryan King (1) and Mackenzie Harvey (27), leaving the Strikers reeling at 37-3 inside the powerplay.
The middle order offered little resistance as spinners Mehran Mumtaz and Faisal Akram ripped through the batting. Mehran accounted for Harry Nielsen (12), while Faisal removed Alex Ross (6) before striking again to dismiss Jerssis Wadia for a duck. Mehran also bagged Harry Manenti (7), while Mubasir returned to complete figures of 3-19, removing Tim Oakley (11).
The innings ended when Sadaqat, already the star with the bat, chipped in with a wicket, dismissing Hanno Jacobs (19). Faisal Akram and Mehran Mumtaz finished with two wickets each, while Shahid Aziz and Sadaqat picked up one apiece.
Earlier, Pakistan Shaheens posted a formidable 202-6 after opting to bat first. The innings was built around a blistering 149-run opening partnership between Yasir Khan and Maaz Sadaqat. Yasir struck a fluent 51 off 35 balls before falling to Jerssis Wadia in the 15th over.
Sadaqat continued to dominate, smashing 104 off 59 balls with 11 fours and two sixes, before being dismissed by Tom O’Connell. Abdul Samad chipped in with a brisk 25 off 18, while skipper Irfan Khan Niazi (5) fell cheaply. Despite a late stumble in the final over that saw three wickets fall, the Shaheens had already set up a commanding total.
The emphatic win consolidates Pakistan Shaheens’ strong run in the tournament, with both batting and bowling departments firing in unison.
