Pakistan Shaheens lose to Adelaide Strikers in semi-final of Top End T20 series

The Adelaide Strikers secured a 30-run victory over Pakistan Shaheens in the semi-final of the Top End T20 Series.

Jack Winter's explosive century, featuring 8 sixes and 6 fours, was the standout performance as he scored 104 runs.

This defeat marks another tough outing for the Pakistan Shaheens, who also lost last year’s Top End T20 Series final to NT Strike by 46 runs.

In the semi-final on Sunday, Pakistan Shaheens opted to bowl first after winning the toss. Adelaide Strikers set a target of 198 runs, finishing their innings at 197/5. In response, Pakistan Shaheens were bowled out for 167 in 18.1 overs.

Despite early setbacks, with Adelaide Strikers losing 3 wickets for 57 runs, Jack Winter and Harry Manenti steadied the innings, adding 73 runs for the fourth wicket.

Jack Winter's aggressive approach saw him dominate the Shaheens' bowlers, particularly Faisal Akram, off whom he smashed 5 sixes in a single over.

Winter's innings included 104 runs, aided by 6 fours and 8 sixes. Harry Manenti also contributed significantly, scoring 52 runs with 9 fours and a six.

On the bowling front, Abbas Afridi was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan Shaheens, claiming three wickets, while Faisal Akram took two.

Pakistan Shaheens’ batting lineup struggled early on, losing 4 wickets for just 33 runs within the first five overs, with only captain Mohammad Haris managing to reach double figures, scoring 19. Later contributions came from Usman Khan, who scored 32, and Mubasir Khan, who added 18 runs.

Abbas Afridi’s late surge, scoring 54 runs with 3 sixes and 5 fours, and his 60-run partnership with Arif Yaqoob for the eighth wicket, couldn't save the Shaheens.

Ultimately, the efforts were insufficient, as Liam Scott took three key wickets for the Strikers to secure the win.

Scores in brief

Adelaide Strikers 197-5, 20 overs (Jake Winter 104, Harry Manenti 52; Mohammad Abbas Afridi 3-51, Faisal Akram 2-58)

Pakistan Shaheens 167 all out, 18.1 overs (Mohammad Abbas Afridi 54, Usman Khan 32; Scott 3-44, Lloyd Pope 2-32, Jordan Buckingham 2-33)