DARWIN: Maaz Sadaqat’s century powered Pakistan Shaheens to an emphatic 107-run win over Adelaide Strikers in the Top End T20 Series at the DXC Arena in Darwin on Wednesday.

This was Shaheens’ third victory in the event, taking their tally to six points from five matches.

After electing to bat first, openers Maaz and Yasir Khan provided their team with a solid 149-run partnership. Yasir was dismissed after scoring 51 off 35 balls with the aid of five fours and a six. This was his second half-century of the tournament.

Left-hander Maaz was then joined by Abdul Samad and the pair added 32 runs for the second wicket. Maaz went on to register his maiden century of the tournament, striking 11 fours and two sixes in his 59-ball knock of 104. The 20-year-old batter richly earned the player-of-the-match honours.

Shaheens’ total was further boosted by Abdul Samad’s 18-ball 25 which included a four and a six as they amassed 202 for six off the stipulated 20 overs.

For Strikers, Harry Manenti claimed three wickets for 31 runs in three overs.

In reply, Strikers lost wickets at regular intervals and were reduced to 49 for five in the eighth over. Opener Mackenzie Harvey top-scored with a 17-ball 27, laced with five boundaries.

For Shaheens, left-arm spinners Faisal Akram and Mehran Mumtaz bagged two wickets apiece while off-spinner Mubasir Khan grabbed three wickets for 19 in three overs.

Shaheens now face Nepal in the event on Friday at the same venue.

Scores in brief:

Pakistan Shaheens beat Adelaide Strikers by 107 runs.

PAKISTAN SHAHEENS 202-6 in 20 overs (Maaz Sadaqat 104, Yasir Khan 51, Abdul Samad 25; Harry Manenti 3-31); ADELAIDE STRI­KERS 95 in 16.1 overs (Mackenzie Harvey 27; Mubasir Khan 3-19, Faisal Akram 2-19, Mehran Mumtaz 2-20).

Published in Dawn, August 21st, 2025