Pakistan Shaheens thrashed Adelaide Strikers by 107 runs in the Top End T20 Series fixture in Darwin on Wednesday evening.
After opting to bat first, Maaz Sadaqat and Yasir Khan provided a solid start with a 149-run opening partnership. Yasir was the first to return to the pavilion after scoring 51 off 35 balls, his second fifty of the tournament.
Abdul Samad then joined player of the match Maaz . The pair added 32 runs for the second wicket. 20-year-old Maaz went on to register his maiden century of the tournament, striking 11 fours and two sixes in his 59-ball knock of 104.
Shaheens’ total was further boosted by a quick-fire 25 off 18 balls from Abdul Samad. It included a four and a six as they scored 202 for six in 20 overs.
For Strikers, Harry Manenti claimed three wickets for 31 runs in three overs.
In reply, Strikers kept losing wickets at regular intervals. They only scored 95 in 16.1 overs. Mackenzie Harvey was the highest scorer for Strikers with a 17-ball 27.
For Shaheens, left-arm spinners Faisal Akram and Mehran Mumtaz bagged two wickets apiece. Right-arm off-spinner Mubasir Khan remained the most successful bowler, taking three wickets for 19 in three overs.
Pakistan Shaheens will face Nepal on Friday, August 22, at the same venue. The first ball of the match will be bowled at 7 pm.
Scores in brief:
Pakistan Shaheens: 202-6, 20 overs (Maaz Sadaqat 104, Yasir Khan 51, Abdul Samad 25; Harry Manenti 3-31)
Adelaide Strikers: 95 all out, 16.1 overs (Mackenzie Harvey 27; Mubasir Khan 3-19, Faisal Akram 2-19, Mehran Mumtaz 2-20)
Player of the match – Maaz Sadaqat (Pakistan Shaheens)
