Sharjeel Khan shines as Kingsmen thrash NT Strike in Top End T20 clash

A brilliant half-century from opener Sharjeel Khan powered Chicago Kingsmen to a comfortable seven-wicket win over Northern Territory Strike in the Top End T20 Series at Gardens Oval on Thursday.

Batting first, NT Strike were restricted to 131-8 in 20 overs. Tom Andrews stood out with a fighting 48 off 38 balls that included six fours and a six, while opener Connor Carroll chipped in with a quick 34 off 26 deliveries. However, the rest of the batting lineup struggled to build momentum.

For the Kingsmen, Asif Mehmood delivered with the ball, taking 3-17 in four overs. He was well supported by Hassan Khan and Scott Kuggeleijn, who claimed two wickets each.

In reply, the Kingsmen openers gave their side a dream start. Sharjeel Khan and Shayan Jahangir put on a match-winning 108-run partnership. Jahangir was run out after a blistering 47 off just 23 balls, smashing four boundaries and four sixes.

Sharjeel continued his fluent knock, reaching a well-constructed half-century before departing for 60 off 42 deliveries, laced with five fours and three sixes.

Although Syed Saad Ali (10) fell cheaply, Asif Mehmood (11*) and Milind Kumar (4*) guided the Kingsmen home with 5.3 overs to spare.

With this win, the Hammad Azam-led Kingsmen extended their unbeaten run to five straight victories, securing 10 points and strengthening their position at the top of the points table with a healthy net run rate of 1.803.

The Kingsmen will play their final league match against Hobart Hurricanes Academy on August 23.