Usman Khan's brilliant knock powers Pakistan Shaheens to first win in Top End T20 series

Pakistan Shaheens started their Top End T20 series 2024 campaign with a 17-run win against Perth Scorchers at the DXC Arena in Darwin on Saturday.

Chasing a target of 189 runs, Perth Scorchers struggled early on as Teague Wyllie (4) and Sam Fanning (13) were dismissed in the third and fourth overs, respectively. Joel Curtis (17) and Corey Wasley (54) provided some resistance with a 58-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Wasley’s aggressive innings, which included six boundaries and three sixes, ended in the 12th over when he was dismissed by Jahandad Khan. 

With 96 runs needed off 51 balls, Scorchers’ middle order tried to keep the chase alive. Baxter Holt (24) and Keaton Critchell (24) added 33 runs for the fifth wicket before Holt was removed by Mohammad Abbas Afridi in the 16th over. Despite a late effort by Matthew Spoors, who remained unbeaten on 27 off 15 balls, the Scorchers fell short by 17 runs.

For the Shaheens, Abbas and Jahandad claimed two wickets each, while Mohammad Imran Jnr and Arif Yaqoob took one apiece.

Earlier, Pakistan Shaheens set a solid total of 188-7 after choosing to bat first. Usman Khan played a key role, scoring 57 off 35 balls, including four boundaries and three sixes. After losing three quick wickets and being reduced to 58-3, Usman, along with skipper Mohammad Haris (25), steadied the innings with a 45-run partnership.

Arafat Minhas added a valuable 31 off 16 balls towards the end, and Mohammad Abbas Afridi provided a late boost with two sixes in the final over, helping the Shaheens finish strong. For the Scorchers, Matthew Spoors was the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets.

Pakistan Shaheens will next face Melbourne Stars in their second match of the series on Sunday.