Melbourne Renegades Archives

Ton-up Abdul Samad powers Pakistan Shaheens to victory over Melbourne Renegades

DARWIN: Abdul Samad produced a blistering unbeaten century to guide Pakistan Shaheens to a commanding victory over Melbourne Renegades Academy in the Top End T20 Series at the TIO Stadium on Monday.

Set a target of 179, the Renegades were bundled out for 105 in the final over.

Apart from opener Josh Brown, who made 36 off 30 balls, none of the top-order batters managed to reach double figures.

The side crumbled to 66-8 inside 13 overs before tailenders Xavier Crone (11), Callum Stow (15), and Michael Archer (14*) showed some resistance to take the total past 100.

For the Shaheens, Maaz Sadaqat led the attack with three wickets while Faisal Akram picked up two.

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Earlier, after being asked to bat first, Pakistan Shaheens recovered from a shaky start to post 178-5 in their 20 overs, courtesy of Samad’s heroics.

The innings began in disastrous fashion as openers Yasir Khan and Khawaja Nafay departed without scoring, leaving the side struggling at 2-2 inside two overs.

Mohammad Faiq (21 off 18) and Abdul Samad added 32 runs to steady the innings, but wickets continued to fall, with the Shaheens slipping to 55-4 by the halfway stage.

From there, Samad took charge and reached his half-century with calculated strokeplay before cutting loose in the latter stages.

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The middle-order batter added 109 runs for the fifth wicket with skipper Irfan Khan (23), a stand that turned the innings around.

Samad remained unbeaten on a scintillating 110 off 63 deliveries, laced with six fours and six sixes.

Mohammad Wasim Jr. chipped in with two not out as the Shaheens closed on 178-5. For the Renegades, five different bowlers shared a wicket each.

This result marked the Renegades Academy’s first defeat in the Top End T20 Series, while Pakistan Shaheens secured their second win in three matches.

READ: Former all-rounder calls for India to skip Pakistan clash at Asia Cup 2025

Melbourne Renegades GM hails Rizwan signing as major BBL 15 coup

Melbourne Renegades General Manager James Rosengarten has described the signing of Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan as a “massive win” for the franchise in the BBL 15 overseas draft.

Speaking on a recent podcast, Rosengarten couldn’t hide his delight at bringing one of world cricket’s most reliable performers into the Renegades’ setup.

“To bring in a player of Mohammad Rizwan’s calibre at Pick 3 is a massive win for us,” Rosengarten said.

“He’s one of the best in the world—reliable, experienced, and a calm presence both on and off the field.

“He has successfully led teams and will be a great fit for the squad we’re building.”

Rosengarten underlined Rizwan’s versatility and temperament as key assets that will complement the squad being assembled for the upcoming season.

“What makes Mohammad Rizwan so valuable is his ability to anchor an innings while keeping the scoreboard ticking,” he added.

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“With players like Jake Fraser-McGurk, Josh Brown, and Tim Seifert around him, we believe our top order could be one of the most exciting in the competition.”

While Rizwan brings proven stability at the top, his skill behind the stumps also offers the Renegades flexibility with wicketkeeping duties, given the presence of New Zealand’s Seifert in the squad.

“Rizwan is also a world-class wicketkeeper, which gives us options behind the stumps. Both he and Tim will bring great energy to the field,” he further stated.

The 33-year-old batter will be making his BBL debut, having previously starred in other major leagues, including the CPL.

In a video shared by the Melbourne Renegades, Mohammad Rizwan sent a heartfelt message to his new fans.

“Assalam-u-alaikum and good morning, Australia. It’s a great honour to join the Melbourne Renegades. I have always admired how they play with heart,” he said.

“I’m very excited to wear the No.16 jersey, meet the passionate Melbourne fans and give my very best. Inshallah. Thank you.”

READ: Melbourne Stars GM eyes Haris Rauf vs Babar Azam showdown in BBL 15

WATCH: Mohammad Rizwan expresses pride in signing with Melbourne Renegades for BBL 15

Pakistan One Day International (ODI) captain Mohammad Rizwan has shared his thoughts after joining Melbourne Renegades for the Big Bash League (BBL) 15.

Rizwan was selected by Melbourne with the third pick in the BBL overseas draft. The wicket-keeper batter shared his thoughts in a video message on the franchise’s official page.

“Assalam-u-alaikum and good morning, Australia. It’s a great honour to join the Melbourne Renegades,” said Mohammad Rizwan.

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“I have always admired how they play with heart. I’m very excited to wear the No.16 jersey, meet the passionate Melbourne fans and giving my very best. Inshallah. Thank you,” Mohammad Rizwan concluded.

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It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan’s gap in the ICC Future Tours Programme (FTP) from November to February provides their top cricketers a window of opportunity to participate in the BBL 15.

For the unversed, the BBL 15 Draft, held in Melbourne on Thursday, saw six of the eight franchises show interest in Pakistan’s top players, with five national stars eventually earning contracts.

Star batter Babar Azam was pre-signed by the Sydney Sixers ahead of the BBL 15 draft, while Shaheen’s selection as the No. 1 Platinum pick headlines a strong Pakistani presence in the league this season.

Speedster Haris Rauf, retained by Melbourne Stars, continues his association with the franchise he has served since 2019. Rauf is currently active in the MLC 2025 with San Francisco Unicorns.

Shadab Khan, drafted by the Sydney Thunder, marks his fourth BBL stint. The leg-spinner has already represented Brisbane Heat, Sydney Sixers, and Hobart Hurricanes, tallying 14 wickets in 12 matches at an economy of 7.50.

Hasan Ali, selected by Adelaide Strikers, will also make his BBL debut. The experienced right-arm pacer has previously featured in the LPL, CPL, and BPL.

READ: Hasan Ali opens up after Adelaide Strikers signing for BBL 15