DARWIN: A stunning display with the ball scripted Pakistan Shaheens’ second win in as many days as they successfully defended a meagre 94-run target by bowling out Melbourne Renegades for 85 in 19.4 overs at the TIO Stadium in the Top End T20 Series on Tuesday.

With three wickets each from their four overs, Ali Asfand — who conceded only eight runs and bowled 16 dots — and Arafat Minhas — who conceded 15 and bowled as many dots — spearheaded Shaheens defence.

Sajjad Ali, Faisal Akram and Ahmed Khan took a wicket each. Dylan Brasher’s 20-ball 19 was the highest score in the innings.

Shaheens were bowled out for 93 in 18.5 overs after they elected to bat. Shawaiz Irfan top-scored with a 32-ball 34, hitting two sixes and a four.

The next best scores were of 13 by Basit Ali and Faisal Akram.

Ruwantha Kellapotha was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets for 15. Fergus O’Nell and Tom Rogers picked up two wickets apiece.

Scores in brief:

PAKISTAN SHAHEENS 93 all out in 18.5 overs (Shawaiz Irfan 34; Ruwantha Kellapotha 3-15, Tom Rogers 2-18, Fergus O’Neill 2-21); MELBOURNE RENEGADES 85 all out in 19.4 overs (Ali Asfand 3-8, Arafat Minhas 3-15).

Published in Dawn, Aug 2nd, 2023