Jahandad, Mubasir star as Pakistan Shaheens beat NT Strike by four wickets

Pakistan Shaheens triumphed over NT Strike by four wickets in the first One Day match of the white-ball phase during their Darwin tour.

NT Strike, opting to bat first after winning the toss, struggled against the disciplined bowling of the Shaheens and were bundled out for 142 runs in 46.1 overs.

Jahandad Khan was exceptional, taking 4 wickets for 26 runs, marking his best figures in One Day matches, surpassing his previous best of 3 for 39. Mubasir Khan also contributed significantly, claiming 3 wickets for 18 runs. For NT Strike, Jagadeswara Koduru was the top scorer with 59 runs, including four fours and two sixes.

Chasing a target of 143, Pakistan Shaheens reached the mark in 35.1 overs with six wickets down. The innings began with an early setback as Haseebullah fell for just 2 runs.

Sahibzada Farhan and Usman Khan then built a 52-run partnership for the second wicket before both were dismissed by Matt Hammond in the same over. Usman scored 20 runs while captain Mohammad Haris was out for a duck. Farhan contributed 30 runs before being dismissed, leaving the Shaheens at a precarious 60 for 4.

Mubasir Khan and Irfan Khan steadied the innings with a 34-run partnership for the fifth wicket, with Irfan scoring 21 runs. Mubasir continued to anchor the chase, adding 31 runs with Arafat Minhas for the sixth wicket. Minhas scored 18 runs before getting out.

Mubasir remained unbeaten on 32, with Jahandad Khan supporting him with 10 not out, guiding Pakistan Shaheens to victory.

The Pakistan Shaheens are set to face Bangladesh A in their second One Day match of the tour on Tuesday.

Scores in brief

Pakistan Shaheens won by four wickets 

Northern Territory Strike 142 all out, 46.1 overs (Jagadeswara Koduru 59, Matt Hammond 22; Jahandad Khan 4-26, Mubasir Khan 3-18)

Pakistan Shaheens 143-6, 35.1 overs (Mubasir Khan 32 not out, Sahibzada Farhan 30, Muhammad Irfan Khan 21, Usman Khan 20; Matt Hammond 2-29)