Darwin, Australia – Pakistan Shaheens kicked off their Top End T20 Series campaign in style on Thursday, dismantling Bangladesh ‘A’ by 79 runs at Darwin’s TIO Stadium. A top-order blitz and sharp spin bowling ensured the contest was wrapped up well before the final over.

Explosive Start Sets the Tone

Opting to bat first, the Shaheens wasted no time in asserting dominance. Openers Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (61 off 31) and Yasir Khan (62 off 40) tore into the Bangladeshi attack, stitching together a rapid 118-run stand inside 12 overs.

The momentum didn’t slow after their departure. Abdul Samad added late fireworks with an unbeaten 56 from just 27 balls, pairing with skipper Mohammad Irfan Khan (25 off 12) to push the total to a daunting 227 for four — a target that always looked out of reach.

Bangladesh ‘A’ Falter After Strong Start

Chasing the mammoth score, Bangladesh ‘A’ began positively, recovering from the loss of an early wicket to reach 92 for one inside seven overs. Opener Mohammad Saif Hassan top-scored with 57, while Jishan Alam made 33 during an 86-run stand for the second wicket.

But the game turned sharply in the eighth over when left-arm spinner Maaz Sadaqat removed Alam. From there, the Shaheens’ spin duo of Faisal Akram (3-19) and Saad Masood (3-30) applied the squeeze, while Mohammad Wasim Jr (2-24) cleaned up the tail. Bangladesh ‘A’ collapsed to 148 all out in under 17 overs.

Yasir Khan Earns Top Honours

For his fluent half-century and quick scoring at the top, Yasir Khan was named Player of the Match.

The Shaheens face the Scorchers in their second group match on Saturday, looking to build on a performance that left little doubt about their title ambitions.