Abdul Samad’s century powers Shaheens past Renegades in Top End T20 Series

Abdul Samad’s blistering unbeaten century helped Pakistan Shaheens register a thumping 73-run victory over Melbourne Renegades Academy in the Top End T20 Series at TIO Stadium on Monday.

Batting first after being put in, the Shaheens posted a commanding total of 178/5 in 20 overs, thanks to a sensational knock from Samad. The right-hander smashed 110 not out off 63 balls, hitting six fours and six sixes to anchor the innings.

The Shaheens had a shaky start, losing openers Nafay and Yasir in the first two overs. Mohammad Faiq (21) and Maaz Sadaqat (4) also departed early, leaving the team struggling at 55/4. But skipper Irfan Khan Niazi (23 off 23) joined Samad to steady the innings, adding a crucial 109-run partnership for the fifth wicket.

For the Renegades, Fergus O'Neill, Will Sutherland, Michael Archer, Callum Stow and Oliver Peake shared a wicket apiece.

In reply, the Renegades never got going and were bowled out for 105 in 19.2 overs. The top order collapsed quickly, with Ubaid Shah removing opener Harry Dixon (4) before Maaz Sadaqat struck twice to dismiss Jai Lemire (2) and Dylan Brasher (3).

Josh Brown offered brief resistance with 36 off 30 balls, but once he was dismissed by spinner Faisal Akram, the chase unraveled. Wickets fell regularly as Faisal Akram (2/19), Maaz Sadaqat (3/22), Mohammad Wasim Jr. (1/6), Saad Masood (1/21), Ubaid Shah (1/20) and Mubassir Khan (1/4) all chipped in with disciplined bowling performances.

The Renegades’ last hope came through a small stand between Callum Stow (15) and Michael Archer (14), but Mubassir Khan cleaned up Stow to seal the victory.

With this result, Pakistan Shaheens climbed to second place on the points table with two wins from three matches. They will next face the Chicago Kingsmen on August 19, followed by matches against Adelaide Strikers Academy (Aug 20), and Nepal (Aug 22). 

The semi-finals and final are scheduled for August 24.