Pakistan Shaheens Set Mammoth 228-Run Target for Bangladesh ‘A’ in Top End T20 Series Opener

The 2025 Top End T20 Series kicked off in Darwin with Bangladesh ‘A’ facing Pakistan Shaheens in the tournament’s opening match. Winning the toss and electing to bat first, the Shaheens showcased batting dominance, setting a daunting 228-run target for the Nurul Hasan Sohan-led side.

Put into field first, Bangladesh ‘A’ found no early breakthroughs as the Pakistani openers went on a rampage, denying any chances in the first 10 overs. The breakthrough came in the 12th over when Khawaja Nafay was run out, providing Bangladesh some relief. By then, Pakistan had already reached 118 runs. Nafay departed after a blistering 31-ball 61.

In the following over, the second opener, Yasir Khan, fell for 62 off 40 balls, caught by Sohan off Mahfuzur Rahman Rabbi’s bowling. At No. 3, Abdul Samad continued the onslaught, smashing five sixes and a four to reach his fifty in just 23 balls. Four of those sixes came in a single over bowled by Saif Hassan, which cost 26 runs.

Pakistan crossed the 200-run mark in the 17.4 overs after losing their third wicket at 188. Samad found support from Irfan Khan, who played a quickfire cameo of 25 off 12 before being bowled by Hasan Mahmud in the final over.

The Shaheens eventually finished at 227 for 4, with Abdul Samad remaining unbeaten on 56 off 27 balls.