Pakistan Shaheens dominate in low-scoring encounter against Bangladesh-A

Usman Khan anchored the innings with an unbeaten 39 off 45 balls, which included five fours and a six

PHOTO: PCB

A stellar performance by the pace bowlers propelled Pakistan Shaheens to an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Bangladesh ‘A’ in the second 50-over match held at the DXC Arena in Darwin on Tuesday.

The Shaheens, chasing a modest target of 79, reached the finish line in just 17 overs. Usman Khan anchored the innings with an unbeaten 39 off 45 balls, which included five fours and a six. Tayyab Tahir supported well with an unbeaten 17 off 36 balls, hitting one boundary.

Usman’s crucial 48-run second-wicket stand with Faseeh and an unbroken 27-run third-wicket partnership with Tayyab secured the win. Sahibzada Farhan fell early for a duck, dismissed by Ripon Mondol in the second over.

Mondol was the standout performer for Bangladesh ‘A’, claiming both opening wickets, but lacked support from the rest of the bowlers.

Earlier, opting to bowl first, the Pakistan Shaheens’ pacers wreaked havoc with the new ball. Khurram Shahzad claimed the wickets of Tanzid Hasan and Akbar Ali, while Mohammad Imran Jnr dismantled the top order, removing Jishan Alam, Parvez Hossain, and Afif Hossain within the powerplay.

The fast bowlers left Bangladesh ‘A’ reeling at 32-5 after 9.4 overs. Parvez Hossain was the only top-order batter to reach double figures with 19 runs off 30 balls.

Mahfuzur Rahman and Shamim Hossain contributed a brief 21-run partnership, but Bangladesh ‘A’ fell apart after that, losing their last five wickets for just 25 runs. Mubasir Khan removed Mahfuzur and Abu Haider Rony in the 16th and 20th overs, respectively.

Jahandad Khan also joined the wickets column by dismissing Shamim Hossain and Ripon Mondol in the 21st over. Rakibul Hasan (5 not out) and Mukidul Islam (3) added a small partnership for the last wicket before Arafat Minhas dismissed Mukidul. Bangladesh ‘A’ was all out for 78 in 24.3 overs.

Imran Jnr led the Shaheens’ attack with three wickets, while Khurram Shahzad, Jahandad Khan, and Mubasir Khan claimed two each. Arafat Minhas contributed with a single wicket.

The Pakistan Shaheens will now shift focus to the Top End T20 series, where they will face the Perth Scorchers on 10 August.

Scores in brief:

Pakistan Shaheens won by eight wickets

Bangladesh ‘A’ 78 all out, 24.3 overs (Parvez Hossain 19, Shamim Hossain 13; Mohammad Imran Jnr 3-22, Mubasir Khan 2-9, Jahandad Khan 2-19, Khurram Shahzad 2-24, Arafat Minhas 1-3)

Pakistan Shaheens 79-2, 17 overs (Usman Khan 39 not out, Tayyab Tahir 17 not out; Ripon Mondol 2-30)