The Pakistan Shaheens pulled off a stunning last-ball victory against Nepal in Darwin, winning by just one run to secure their spot in the semi-finals of the Top End T20 Series. The match, played at the DXC Arena on Friday evening, kept fans on the edge until the final delivery.
Faisal Akram shines under pressure
Left-arm spinner Faisal Akram proved to be the hero for the Shaheens with his exceptional death bowling. Nepal required only eight runs in the final over, but Faisal conceded just six. His calm nerves and clever variations sealed victory in dramatic fashion.
Faisal finished with figures of two wickets for 29 runs in his four overs. With this performance, he became the joint top wicket-taker of the tournament, claiming 14 wickets so far. His spell highlighted why the Shaheens trusted him with the responsibility of defending the final over.
Nepal’s chase kept fans guessing
Chasing a target of 145, Nepal looked on course for a famous win. Their captain Rohit Kumar Paudel anchored the innings with a fighting half-century, scoring 52 runs. Dipendra Singh Airee provided strong support with 41, while Mahamad Asif Sheikh added 27.
The game shifted in Nepal’s favor when they smashed 17 runs off Mohammad Salman’s 16th over. At that stage, they needed only 37 runs from four overs, a manageable equation. However, Pakistan’s bowlers staged a comeback. Mohammad Wasim Jnr conceded 10 runs each in the 17th and 19th overs, while Faisal gave away nine in the 18th.
That left Nepal needing just eight from the final over. The situation was tense, but Faisal delivered under pressure, restricting the batsmen to only six runs and handing Pakistan a nail-biting one-run win.
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Pakistan’s batting struggles and recovery
Earlier in the match, Pakistan Shaheens opted to bat first but lost wickets regularly. The top and middle order faltered, reducing the side to 74 for seven in 12.3 overs. It looked as though the team would collapse well before reaching a competitive total.
However, captain Muhammad Irfan Khan led the recovery. He played a composed yet aggressive innings, scoring an unbeaten 42 off just 26 balls. His knock included three boundaries and a towering six, which lifted team morale at a crucial stage.
He was well supported by Mohammad Wasim Jnr, who scored a valuable 23 off 22 balls, striking two fours and a six. The pair stitched together a vital 40-run stand for the eighth wicket, guiding the Shaheens to 144 for nine in their allotted 20 overs. Abdul Samad also chipped in with 26 off 25 balls, keeping the scoreboard ticking during the early collapse.
Nepal’s bowlers impress
Nepal’s bowling unit deserves credit for keeping Pakistan under pressure. Sompal Kami emerged as the most successful bowler, finishing with three wickets for 30 runs. Dipendra Singh Airee impressed with a tight spell, taking two for 15, while Nandan Yadav added two wickets for 32 runs. Their disciplined effort prevented Pakistan from posting a bigger total.
Wasim Jnr supports with the ball
While Faisal Akram stole the spotlight in the final over, Mohammad Wasim Jnr also played a key role. The right-arm pacer picked up two wickets for 28 runs. His breakthroughs at important moments kept Pakistan in the contest despite Nepal’s steady chase.
Together, Faisal and Wasim combined to hold back Nepal, showing the balance of spin and pace in the Shaheens’ attack.
Semi-final qualification secured
With this thrilling win, the Pakistan Shaheens confirmed their place in the semi-finals of the tournament, scheduled for Sunday, August 24. The victory not only boosted team confidence but also demonstrated their resilience under pressure.
The match highlighted the Shaheens’ ability to recover from tough situations. From a shaky batting performance to a nerve-wracking defense in the final over, the team showed grit and character. Captain Muhammad Irfan Khan’s leadership, Faisal Akram’s composure, and Wasim Jnr’s all-round contribution stood out as key factors.
A night to remember
The contest between Pakistan Shaheens and Nepal will be remembered as one of the most thrilling encounters of the Top End T20 Series. Every phase of the game brought a new twist, keeping players and fans glued to the action.
For Pakistan, the one-run victory serves as a reminder of the importance of teamwork and composure. For Nepal, the narrow loss reflects both promise and heartbreak, as they came within touching distance of a historic win.
The Pakistan Shaheens, now high on confidence, will aim to carry this momentum into the knockout stage and push for the tournament title.
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