Pakistan Shaheens thrashed Bangladesh ‘A’ by 79 runs in the opening match of the Top End T20 Series in Darwin on Thursday evening.
After opting to bat first, Shaheens posted a formidable 227/4 in the allocated 20 overs. Openers Khawaja Nafay (61) and player of the match Yasir Khan (62) provided a blazing 118-run stand in just 11.1 overs.
Abdul Samad then played an unbeaten knock of 56 off 27 balls, adding 36 runs for the fourth wicket with skipper Muhammad Irfan Khan (25) to take the total past 200.
In turn, Bangladesh ‘A’ made a brisk start despite losing their first wicket in the opening over, reaching 92 for one in seven overs. Left-arm spinner Maaz Sadaqat struck a decisive blow in the eighth over, removing opener Jishan Alam (33) and breaking an 86-run second-wicket stand.
From there, Shaheens’ spinners took control. Faisal Akram (3-19) and Saad Masood (3-30) led the charge, while fast bowler Mohammad Wasim Jr chipped in with 2-24 to dismiss Bangladesh ‘A’ for 148 in 16.5 overs.
Shaheens will now take on the Scorchers in their next fixture on Saturday, August 16, at the same venue. The first ball of the match will be bowled at 4 pm local time.
Scores in brief: Pakistan Shaheens beat Bangladesh ‘A’ by 79 runs
Pakistan Shaheens: 227-4, 20 overs (Yasir Khan 62, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay 61, Abdul Samad 56 not out, Muhammad Irfan Khan 25)
Bangladesh ‘A’: 148 all out, 16.5 overs (Mohammad Saif Hassan 57, Jishan Alam 33; Faisal Akram 3-19, Saad Masood 3-30, Mohammad Wasim Jnr 2-24)
