A Match That Went Down to the Wire
Pakistan Shaheens pulled off a heart-stopping 1-run win over Nepal in Darwin, booking their place in the Top End T20 Series semi-finals. Played in Australia, the tournament has given emerging sides a platform to showcase their talent — and this game turned out to be a tense contest decided on the very last ball.
From Collapse to Comeback
The game didn’t start smoothly for the Shaheens. At one point, they were reeling at 74 for 7 in 12.3 overs, staring at a low total. But skipper Muhammad Irfan Khan refused to give in.
Irfan Khan and Mohammad Wasim Jr. stitched together a crucial 40-run stand that changed the mood of the innings. Irfan stayed till the end with 42 off 26, mixing smart shots with clean hitting. Wasim Jr. chipped in with 23, while Abdul Samad’s steady 26 from 25 balls kept things moving when Pakistan looked in trouble. That fightback pushed the Shaheens to 144 for 9 in their 20 overs.
Nepal’s Chase Led by Paudel and Airee
Nepal responded with grit. Skipper Rohit Paudel led from the front with a fighting 52, while Dipendra Singh Airee (41) kept the chase alive, and opener Asif Sheikh’s 27 gave them a solid start. Their resilience kept Pakistan Shaheens under real pressure till the very last ball.
Faisal Akram’s Ice-Cool Final Over
Enter Faisal Akram. The left-arm spinner showed nerves of steel, giving away only 6 runs in the last over when 8 were required. His spell of 2 for 29 not only sealed the win but also kept him among the leading wicket-takers of the tournament with 13 wickets.
The crowd witnessed a thrilling finish as Nepal fell short, ending at 143 for 7.
Player of the Match: Irfan Khan
While Faisal’s last-over heroics grabbed headlines, it was Muhammad Irfan Khan’s fighting knock that kept Shaheens alive earlier in the match. His unbeaten 42 under pressure earned him the Player of the Match award.
What’s Next
With this win, Pakistan Shaheens have locked their place in the semi-finals on 24 August. Carrying fresh momentum and confidence, the young side will now aim to push for the trophy, while Nepal earn respect for fighting till the very last ball.
Match Summary
| Team | Score (20 over) | Top Batter | Top Bowler |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan Shaheens | 144/9 | Irfan Khan 42* (26) | Faisal Akram 2/29 |
| Nepal | 143/7 | Rohit Paudel 52 (44) | Sompal Kami 3/30 |
Result: Pakistan Shaheens won by 1 run
Player of the Match: Muhammad Irfan Khan
Turning Point: Faisal Akram’s last over (defended 8 runs with 2/29)
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