Darwin, August 22, 2025: Pakistan Shaheens pulled off a nail-biting one-run victory over Nepal in the 30th match of the Top End T20 Series in Darwin on Friday.
Chasing 145, Nepal fell agonizingly short at 143-7 despite skipper Rohit Paudel’s valiant 44-ball 52, which included six fours and a six. Paudel shared a crucial 52-run stand with opener Aasif Sheikh before being dismissed by Mohammad Wasim, a breakthrough that reignited the Shaheens’ hopes. Dipendra Singh Airee threatened to take the game away but was run out following a sharp effort from Abdul Samad and Ghazi Ghori.
For the Shaheens, Wasim (2-28) and Faisal Akram (2-29) took two wickets each, while Mohammad Salman chipped in with one. Nepal’s chase faltered in the final overs, allowing Pakistan to clinch the thriller.
Earlier, after electing to bat, the Shaheens slipped to 74-7 inside 13 overs. Skipper Irfan Khan Niazi rescued the innings with a fighting unbeaten 42 off 26 balls, striking three fours and a six. Abdul Samad (26) and Mohammad Wasim (23) also contributed as Pakistan reached 144-9.
Nepal’s Sompal Kami (3-30) was the pick of the bowlers, while Dipendra Singh Airee (2-15) and Nandan Yadav (2-32) also struck twice.
The result gave the Shaheens another close win in the competition, keeping their campaign alive with just enough composure at the death.
