The third season of the Top End T20 Series, a major domestic cricket tournament organized by Northern Territory Cricket, has officially commenced today in Darwin.

The tournament, which has quickly gained recognition, will feature nine teams, including international sides Bangladesh A and Pakistan Shaheens, alongside local teams such as Adelaide Strikers Academy, Australian Capital Territory, Melbourne Renegades Academy, Melbourne Stars Academy, Northern Territory Strike, Perth Scorchers Academy, and Tasmania, according to a release by Cricket NT.

Each team is scheduled to play six matches in the league stage, with the top four advancing to the semi-finals. The final, set for Sunday, August 18, promises a thrilling conclusion to the series. 

This year's competition is expected to deliver a high standard of cricket as domestic and international teams compete for the title in Darwin.

Pakistan Shaheens are slated to play their first match of the series against Perth Scorchers on Saturday, August 10th, at 10:30 AM (PST).

The series commenced with an exciting opener between Perth Scorchers and NT Strike. NT Strike emerged victorious, defeating the Scorchers by seven wickets with five overs remaining. 

Perth Scorchers set a target of 152 runs with six wickets down in their innings, but NT Strike chased down the total by the 15th over, securing a commanding win to kick off the tournament.