Faisal Akram, the sensational left-arm wrist spinner, once again showcased his exceptional skill, leading the Pakistan Shaheens to a stunning 84-run victory over the Northern Territory Strike in an electrifying clash at Australia’s DXC Arena on August 09.
The win capped off a successful run for the Shaheens on Australian soil before their homeward journey. The game underscored Faisal Akram’s bowling brilliance, as he secured his second consecutive five-wicket haul, wreaking havoc on the NT Strike batting lineup.
Faisal’s captivating performance resulted in a haul of five vital wickets for a mere 37 runs over his 10 overs, a remarkable accomplishment that included an impressive tally of 39 dot balls.
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His display left spectators in awe, firmly establishing him as a formidable presence in international cricket. In pursuit of a 233-run target, the NT Strike faced a challenging task from the outset, losing their opening batsmen for a paltry seven runs.
However, a resilient partnership between Jason Sangha (34) and Coby Edmonstone (65) briefly rekindled their hopes, adding a crucial 79 runs for the third wicket. Param Uppal (24) also contributed admirably with the bat.
Nevertheless, following Uppal’s exit, the NT Strike experienced a dramatic collapse, surrendering seven wickets for a mere 21 runs, crumbling under the unyielding pressure exerted by Faisal and the formidable Shaheens bowling attack.
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Earlier in the day, the Shaheens’ opening duo of Azan Awais (36) and Basit Ali (33) crafted a sturdy 53-run partnership, laying a promising foundation. Despite encountering a tough situation with five wickets falling at 73 runs, the Shaheens exhibited remarkable resilience.
A pivotal 44-run alliance between Ahmed Khan (39) and Ali Asfand (42 not out) for the eighth wicket proved crucial in propelling the team to a total of 232 runs within 47.3 overs. Of note, Charlie Smith emerged as a standout performer for the NT Strike, securing four wickets for 31 runs.
Jack Wood and Tom Menzies also made contributions, each claiming two wickets. This victory held special significance for the Shaheens, as it marked their inaugural win over the NT Strike, a feat that had eluded them in the recent Top End T20 Series.
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