Pakistan Shaheens kicked off their white-ball tour in Australia with a solid performance, securing a four-wicket win over Northern Territory Strike in a 50-over match held at Gardens Oval on Sunday. This victory marks a positive start for the Shaheens as they embark on their white-ball campaign.
The match saw a standout performance from all-rounders Mubasir Khan and Jahandad Khan, who played pivotal roles in both batting and bowling.
Mubasir Khan’s unbeaten 32, coupled with a crucial seventh-wicket partnership with Jahandad Khan, guided the Shaheens to a successful chase of a modest target of 143 runs.
Earlier in the game, both Khan and Jahandad had combined effectively to dismiss seven Northern Territory batsmen, limiting the hosts to a below-par total of 142.
Northern Territory Strike, batting first, found themselves under pressure from the disciplined Shaheens’ bowling attack. Despite a valiant 59 from Jagadeswara Koduru, the home side struggled to build partnerships and were eventually bowled out for 142 runs.
Shaheens’ bowlers displayed exceptional control and accuracy, which proved crucial in containing the Northern Territory batsmen.
In their run chase, Shaheens encountered a challenging period as their middle order faltered, losing five wickets for just 50 runs. The pressure was on, but Mubasir Khan’s calm and collected performance, along with Jahandad Khan’s support, ensured that the team reached the target with relative ease. Their partnership proved decisive in overcoming the middle-order collapse and securing the win for the Shaheens.
Looking ahead, the Pakistan Shaheens will face Bangladesh A in their next 50-over fixture scheduled for Tuesday. The victory over Northern Territory Strike sets a positive tone for their upcoming matches and demonstrates the Shaheens’ resilience and capability in navigating challenging situations.
This match was a promising start, showcasing both individual brilliance and collective strength as they continue their tour in Australia.
