Pakistan Shaheens sealed a dramatic one-run win against Nepal in the DXC Arena, Darwin, on Friday evening. With this result, the Shaheens booked their place in the semi-finals, scheduled for Sunday, 24 August.
Chasing 145, Nepal were in control during the middle overs. They struck 17 runs off Mohammad Salman’s 16th over and reduced the target to 37 from the final four overs. Mohammad Wasim Jnr gave away 10 runs each in the 17th and 19th overs, while Faisal Akram conceded nine in the 18th.
The game came down to the last over with Nepal needing eight runs. Left-arm spinner Faisal, only 22 years old, bowled brilliantly under pressure and allowed just six runs.
His spell of two for 29 turned the match, giving Shaheens victory by the narrowest margin. Faisal also became the joint-highest wicket-taker of the tournament with 14 scalps. Wasim Jnr chipped in with two wickets as well.
Earlier, after choosing to bat, Pakistan Shaheens lost quick wickets and slipped to 74 for seven. Captain Muhammad Irfan Khan and Wasim Jnr steadied the innings with a vital 40-run partnership for the eighth wicket.
Irfan remained unbeaten with 42 off 26 balls, while Wasim made 23 from 22 deliveries. Abdul Samad also played a handy knock of 26. The team finished on 144 for nine in their 20 overs.
For Nepal, Sompal Kami impressed with three wickets for 30 runs. Dipendra Singh Airee and Nandan Yadav bagged two wickets each. With the bat, Nepal’s skipper Rohit Paudel led the chase with 52, while Airee scored 41. However, they fell just short in the thrilling finish.
The pak vs nepal clash highlighted Pakistan’s resilience and Nepal’s fighting spirit. Fans witnessed an edge-of-the-seat contest that kept the semi-final race alive.
Final Scores:
- Pakistan Shaheens 144-9, 20 overs (Irfan 42*, Samad 26, Wasim Jnr 23; Sompal Kami 3-30)
- Nepal 143-7, 20 overs (Paudel 52, Airee 41; Wasim Jnr 2-28, Faisal 2-29)
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