Melbourne Stars beat Pakistan Shaheens by 47 runs in Top End T20 series

Pakistan Shaheens suffered a 47-run defeat at the hands of Melbourne Stars in their second match of the Top End T20 Series on Sunday.

Melbourne Stars opted to bat first after winning the toss, setting a target of 175 runs for 4 wickets in their 20 overs.

In reply, Pakistan Shaheens struggled to chase the target, ending their innings at 128 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their allotted 20 overs.

Liam Blackford was the standout performer for Melbourne Stars, scoring 55 runs, including seven boundaries. Ashley Chandrasinghe contributed 47 runs to the total, hitting two sixes and four boundaries. The duo put on a solid 91-run partnership for the first wicket.

Arjun Nair provided a late surge with a quickfire 36 off just 15 balls, smashing three sixes and three boundaries and remained unbeaten. He, along with Sam Elliott, who was not out on 17, added 54 runs for the fifth wicket.

Jahandad Khan took 2 wickets for Shaheens, conceding 33 runs.

Pakistan Shaheens' batsmen struggled to handle the pace and accuracy of Riley Mark, who was the pick of the bowlers, taking 4 wickets for 32 runs.

Despite Tayyab Tahir's resilient knock of 57 not out, which included six boundaries and a six, and Sahibzada Farhan's 26 runs, the Shaheens fell short of the target.

Pakistan Shaheens will look to bounce back in their next match of the Top End T20 Series, which is scheduled for Tuesday against Tasmania.

Scores in brief

Melbourne Stars won by 47 runs

Melbourne Stars 175-4, 20 overs (Liam Blackford 55, Ashley Chandrasinghe 47, Arjun Nair 36; Jahandad Khan 2-33, Arif Yaqoob 1-24)

Pakistan Shaheens Tayyab Tahir 57 not out, Sahibzada Farhan 26; Reiley Mark 4-32, Arjun Nair 2-12)