Darwin, August 14, 2025: Pakistan Shaheens launched their Top End T20 Series campaign in style, overpowering Bangladesh ‘A’ by 79 runs in the opening match at TIO Stadium on Thursday.
Batting first, the Shaheens piled up a commanding 227-4, with blistering half-centuries from Khawaja Nafay (61 off 31), Yasir Khan (62 off 40), and Abdul Samad (56* off 27). Nafay and Yasir set the tone with a rapid 100-run opening stand before Samad unleashed a late assault, including three sixes in an over from Mohammad Saif Hassan. Skipper Irfan Khan chipped in with a quickfire 25 from 12 balls.
In reply, Bangladesh ‘A’ never recovered from an early blow when opener Mohammad Naim was bowled by Ubaid Shah for five. Saif Hassan (57 off 32) and Jishan Alam (33 off 17) offered brief resistance with an 86-run stand, but the middle order collapsed under relentless bowling pressure. Spinner Faisal Akram (3-25) and pacer Saad Masood (3-26) led the attack, while Mohammad Wasim Jr (2-20) claimed key wickets. The visitors were bowled out for 148 in 16.4 overs.
The Shaheens will next face the Scorchers on August 16 and the Renegades on August 18 at TIO Stadium, before moving to DXC Arena for matches against Kingsmen (Aug 19), Strikers (Aug 21), and Nepal (Aug 22). The semi-finals and final are scheduled for August 24.
