In a heart-pounding T20 encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Pakistan Shaheens clinched a dramatic one-run victory over Nepal at the DXC Arena in Darwin. The match, played under the floodlights on August 22, 2025, showcased exceptional death bowling and resilient batting, securing Shaheens’ spot in the semi-finals set for August 24.
Thrilling Chase Falls Short by a Whisker
Nepal’s pursuit of 145 runs seemed poised for success as they ramped up the pressure in the closing stages. A explosive 17-run over from Mohammad Salman in the 16th tilted the scales, leaving Nepal needing just 37 runs from the final four overs. However, Pakistan Shaheens’ bowlers turned the tide with precision and nerves of steel.
Mohammad Wasim Jnr, the right-arm pacer, conceded 10 runs each in the 17th and 19th overs, while young left-arm spinner Faisal Akram restricted Nepal to nine runs in the 18th. The climax arrived in the last over, where Nepal required eight runs for victory. Faisal, at just 22 years old, delivered a masterclass in composure, allowing only six runs and sealing the win by the slimmest margin.
Faisal emerged as a standout performer, claiming two wickets for 29 runs in his four overs. He shares the tournament’s top wicket-taker honors with 14 scalps overall. Wasim also chipped in with two wickets, bolstering the Shaheens’ defense.
Shaheens’ Batting Recovery Sets the Stage
Electing to bat first, Pakistan Shaheens faced early setbacks, stumbling to 74 for seven in 12.3 overs. Captain Muhammad Irfan Khan then orchestrated a vital revival, partnering with Mohammad Wasim Jnr for a 40-run eighth-wicket stand that propelled the team to a competitive 144 for nine.
Irfan led from the front with an unbeaten 42 off 26 balls, featuring three boundaries and a towering six. Abdul Samad provided solid support with 26 runs off 25 deliveries, including a four and a six. Wasim, batting at number nine, added a crucial 23 off 22 balls, laced with two fours and a six, ensuring Shaheens posted a defendable total.
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Nepal’s bowling attack was led by Sompal Kami, who claimed three wickets for 30 runs. All-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee and Nandan Yadav each secured two wickets, keeping the pressure on throughout the innings.
Key Performances and Match Summary
Nepal’s batting lineup fought valiantly in response. Captain Rohit Kumar Paudel anchored the innings with a composed 52, while Dipendra Singh Airee smashed 41 runs. Opener Mahamad Asif Sheikh contributed 27, but the team ultimately fell short at 143 for seven.
Muhammad Irfan Khan was adjudged Player of the Match for his all-round heroics, blending leadership with match-winning contributions.
This victory underscores Pakistan Shaheens’ growing prowess in high-stakes T20 cricket, blending youth and experience in a tournament that’s capturing global attention. As the semi-finals approach, fans eagerly await more thrilling action from the Darwin series.
Scores in Brief
- Pakistan Shaheens: 144-9 in 20 overs (Muhammad Irfan Khan 42*, Abdul Samad 26, Mohammad Wasim Jnr 23; Sompal Kami 3-30, Dipendra Singh Airee 2-15, Nandan Yadav 2-32)
- Nepal: 143-7 in 20 overs (Rohit Kumar Paudel 52, Dipendra Singh Airee 41, Mahamad Asif Sheikh 27; Mohammad Wasim Jnr 2-28, Faisal Akram 2-29)
