Pakistan Shaheens Triumph Over Bangladesh A in Low-Scoring Thriller

The Pakistan Shaheens clinched an eight-wicket win against Bangladesh A in the second 50-over match at the DXC Arena in Darwin on Tuesday, thanks to an impressive performance by their pace bowlers.

Chasing a modest target of 79, the Shaheens got the job done in just 17 overs. Usman Khan led the charge with an unbeaten 39 off 45 balls, hitting five fours and a six. Tayyab Tahir provided solid support with an unbeaten 17 off 36 balls, including one boundary.

After Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed cheaply for a duck by Ripon Mondol in the second over, Usman Khan took charge and guided the Shaheens home. His 48-run partnership with Abdul Faseeh for the second wicket and an unbroken 27-run partnership with Tayyab for the third wicket secured the win.

Mondol was the standout bowler for Bangladesh A, taking both opening wickets, but he received little support from his fellow bowlers.

Earlier, the Pakistan Shaheens’ decision to bowl first paid off as their pacers dismantled the Bangladesh A batting lineup. Khurram Shahzad took the wickets of Tanzid Hasan and Akbar Ali, while Mohammad Imran Jnr tore through the top order, dismissing Jishan Alam, Parvez Hossain, and Afif Hossain within the powerplay.

The fast bowlers reduced Bangladesh A to 32-5 after 9.4 overs. Parvez Hossain was the only top-order batter to reach double figures, scoring 19 off 30 balls.

A brief 21-run partnership between Mahfuzur Rahman and Shamim Hossain offered some resistance, but Bangladesh ‘A’ collapsed again, losing their last five wickets for just 25 runs. Mubasir Khan claimed the scalps of Mahfuzur and Abu Haider Rony in the 16th and 20th overs, respectively.

Jahandad Khan contributed by dismissing Shamim Hossain and Ripon Mondol in the 21st over. Rakibul Hasan (5 not out) and Mukidul Islam (3) added a minor last-wicket partnership before Arafat Minhas ended the innings by dismissing Mukidul. Bangladesh ‘A’ was all out for 78 in 24.3 overs.

Imran Jnr led the Shaheens’ bowling attack with three wickets, while Khurram Shahzad, Jahandad Khan, and Mubasir Khan each took two wickets. Arafat Minhas chipped in with one wicket.

The Pakistan Shaheens will now prepare for the Top End T20 series, starting with a match against the Perth Scorchers on August 10.