Shaheens’ Fast Bowlers Decimate Bangladesh ‘A’ for Easy Win
Shaheens’ Fast Bowlers Decimate Bangladesh ‘A’ for Easy Win: In a display of formidable pace bowling and efficient batting, Pakistan Shaheens secured an emphatic eight-wicket win over Bangladesh ‘A’ in their 50-over encounter at the DXC Arena.
First Innings: Bangladesh ‘A’ Struggle Against Fierce Pace Attack
Opting to bowl first, Pakistan Shaheens’ pacers dismantled Bangladesh ‘A’ with precision. Khurram Shahzad initiated the collapse by removing Tanzid Hasan and Akbar Ali. From the other end, Mohammad Imran Jnr wreaked havoc, claiming three key wickets within the powerplay, including Jishan Alam, Parvez Hossain, and Afif Hossain. By the 9.4 over mark, Bangladesh ‘A’ were reeling at 32-5.
Parvez Hossain, the only top-order batsman to reach double figures, managed 19 runs off 30 balls, hitting two fours and a six. A brief 21-run partnership between Mahfuzur Rahman and Shamim Hossain offered a glimmer of hope before the fall of more wickets.
Mubasir Khan and Jahandad Khan continued the demolition, dismissing Mahfuzur, Abu Haider Rony, Shamim Hossain, and Ripon Mondol in quick succession. Arafat Minhas concluded the innings by dismissing Mukidul Islam, wrapping up the Bangladesh ‘A’ innings for a paltry 78 in just 24.3 overs. Mohammad Imran Jnr finished with figures of 3-22, while Khurram, Jahandad, and Mubasir each took two wickets.
Second Innings: Clinical Chase by Pakistan Shaheens
Chasing a modest target of 79, Pakistan Shaheens lost opener Sahibzada Farhan early to Ripon Mondol, who was the only successful bowler for Bangladesh ‘A’. Usman Khan then anchored the innings with a solid 39 not out from 45 balls, featuring five boundaries and a six. He formed a crucial 48-run partnership with Faseeh and later an unbeaten 27-run stand with Tayyab Tahir.
Tayyab Tahir remained unbeaten on 17 off 36 balls, guiding Pakistan Shaheens to victory in 17 overs. Ripon Mondol’s efforts (2-30) were in vain as the Shaheens comfortably crossed the finish line with eight wickets in hand.
Scores in Brief:
Bangladesh ‘A’ 78 all out, 24.3 overs
(Parvez Hossain 19, Shamim Hossain 13; Mohammad Imran Jnr 3-22, Mubasir Khan 2-9, Jahandad Khan 2-19, Khurram Shahzad 2-24, Arafat Minhas 1-3)
Pakistan Shaheens 79-2, 17 overs
(Usman Khan 39 not out, Tayyab Tahir 17 not out; Ripon Mondol 2-30)
With this victory, Pakistan Shaheens have set a strong precedent as they head into the Top End T20 series, starting with their first match against Perth Scorchers on 10 August.
