In the Top End T20 Series, Pakistan Shaheens secured an impressive eight-wicket victory over Papua New Guinea at the DXC Arena. Shahwaiz Irfan’s consecutive half-century and Ali Asfand’s four-wicket haul played pivotal roles in the win.
Chasing a target of 121, Shaheens lost their first wicket early, but Shahwaiz and Azan Awais formed a solid partnership of 54 runs for the second wicket.
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Brilliant performance by Green shirts
Shahwaiz’s brilliant performance earned him a well-deserved half-century before he was dismissed for 54 runs off 32 balls.
Skipper Rohail Nazir and Azan ensured a smooth run-chase, leading Shaheens to victory in the 13th over. Rohail contributed a quick-fire 33 runs off 22 balls, while Azan remained unbeaten on 26 runs off 23 balls.
Earlier, Papua New Guinea chose to bat first but struggled to post a competitive total, finishing at 120 for eight in 20 overs. Ali Asfand’s superb bowling wreaked havoc, claiming four wickets. Aaliyan Mahmood and Arafat Minhas took two wickets each.
In the end, Sese Bau top-scored for Papua New Guinea with a 32-run knock, but it wasn’t enough to challenge Pakistan Shaheens’ dominant performance.
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The win secured Shaheens’ spot in the Top End T20 Series final, where they will face Northern Territory Strike at the same venue.