Pakistan Shaheens Archives

Faisal Akram’s five-fer in vain as Perth Scorchers edge past Pakistan Shaheens

DARWIN: A brilliant five-wicket haul by Faisal Akram went in vain as Perth Scorchers Academy held their nerve to edge out Pakistan Shaheens in a low-scoring thriller of the Top End T20 Series at TIO Stadium on Saturday.

Chasing a modest 112-run target, the Scorchers were jolted early, slipping to 34-3 inside five overs.

Joel Curtis and Nick Hobson, however, steadied the chase with a 42-run stand that put their side back on track.

Just when the Scorchers looked comfortable, Faisal Akram turned the contest on its head.

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The left-arm spinner dismissed Hobson for 27 off 26 balls and then removed Matthew Spoors for a golden duck. He followed it up with the wicket of Luke Holt (4) to reduce the Scorchers to 86-6.

Faisal struck again in his next over, removing two more batters, including the well-set Curtis (27 off 26), to complete a superb five-for and leave the Scorchers reeling with 12 still needed and only two wickets in hand.

But Corey Rocchiccioli (8*) and Brody Couch (7*) held firm under pressure, sealing victory with seven balls to spare as Rocchiccioli launched Saad Masood for a six to finish the match.

Earlier, Pakistan Shaheens, opting to bat first after winning the toss, crumbled to 11-3 inside three overs and never recovered.

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Mohammad Faiq’s cautious 21 off 24 briefly steadied the innings, but the collapse continued with the scoreboard reading 53-6 by the 11th over.

Saad Masood offered late resistance with a fighting 42 off 32 balls, laced with three sixes and a four, but ran out of support from the other end.

He was the last man dismissed as the Shaheens folded for 111 in 18.5 overs.

For the Scorchers, Matthew Kelly led the bowling with three wickets, while Bryce Jackson, Brody Couch, and Luke Holt chipped in with two apiece.

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Trophy unveiled for Top End T20 series in Darwin

DARWIN: The trophy for the Top End series, which is set to begin tomorrow, has been unveiled here on Wednesday.

The trophy unveiling ceremony took place at a beach and was attended by Muhammad Irfan Khan, the captain of the Shaheens, along with Nurul Hasan Sohan from Bangladesh ‘A’ and Rohit Paudel from Nepal.

The Top End T20 Series is scheduled to take place in Darwin, Australia, from August 14 to 24, with 11 teams participating in the tournament.

The curtain raiser of the tournament will be played between Pakistan Shaheens and Bangladesh ‘A’ at the TIO stadium on August 14.

The tournament includes 11 teams, including the Chicago Kingsmen, who will be joined by Big Bash League academies from Hobart Hurricanes, Perth Scorchers, Adelaide Strikers, Melbourne Stars, Melbourne Renegades, ACT Comets, and NT Strike.

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Earlier, Pakistan Shaheens Muhammad Irfan Khan vowed to deliver a strong performance in the forthcoming tournament.

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Led by Muhammad Irfan Khan, the Shaheens will begin their campaign against Bangladesh ‘A’ on August 14 at TIO Stadium.

The squad includes experienced internationals such as Abdul Samad (five T20Is), Faisal Akram (three ODIs), and Mubasir Khan (one T20I).

The team will go on to face Scorchers (August 16) and Renegades (August 18) at TIO Stadium before playing Kingsmen (August 19), Strikers (August 21), and Nepal (August 22) at DXC Arena. The semi-finals and final are scheduled for August 24.

Pakistan Shaheens Squad for Top-End Series

Muhammad Irfan Khan (captain), Abdul Samad, Ahmed Daniyal, Faisal Akram, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wicket-keeper), Maaz Sadaqat, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Faiq, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicket-keeper), Mubasir Khan, Saad Masood, Shahid Aziz, Ubaid Shah, Yasir Khan.

Team management: Ghulam Ali (head coach), Sami Ullah Niazi (bowling coach), Mansoor Amjad (fielding coach), Muhammad Ibrahim (analyst), Muhammad Aleem (physio).

READ: Irfan Khan confident of Pakistan Shaheens’ strong performance in Top-End series

Irfan Khan confident of Pakistan Shaheens’ strong performance in Top End series

DARWIN: Pakistan Shaheens captain Muhammad Irfan Khan aimed to deliver strong performances in the Top End T20 series, set to commence on Thursday.

The opening match of the 11-team tournament will be played between Pakistan Shaheens and Bangladesh ‘A’ on August 14 at the TIO Stadium.

Speaking ahead of the opening encounter, Irfan Khan highlighted the team combination.

“We are aiming to take the best possible combination into the match. Bangladesh ‘A’ are also a strong side, so our focus will be on fielding the right combination, especially as this is the first game of the tournament and we want to start well,” he said.

“We have trained according to the conditions, and each player has been given a specific role to perform. The main focus is to execute those roles effectively in the match so that the team can achieve success,” he added.

Irfan Khan stated that Pakistan Shaheens is geared up with great enthusiasm for the Top-End series.

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“We are stepping onto the field with great energy and determination and will be putting in our utmost effort to deliver strong performances in the tournament,” Irfan concluded.

The Top End T20 Series is set to be played in Darwin, Australia, from August 14 to 24.

Led by Muhammad Irfan Khan, the Shaheens will begin their campaign against Bangladesh ‘A’ on August 14 at TIO Stadium.

The squad includes experienced internationals such as Abdul Samad (five T20Is), Faisal Akram (three ODIs), and Mubasir Khan (one T20I).

Pakistan Shaheens Squad

Team management: Ghulam Ali (head coach), Sami Ullah Niazi (bowling coach), Mansoor Amjad (fielding coach), Muhammad Ibrahim (analyst), Muhammad Aleem (physio).

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PCB announces Haider Ali’s replacement in Pakistan Shaheens Squad for Top End T20 Series

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has replaced Haider Ali with Mohammad Faiq in the Shaheens squad for the upcoming Top End T20 Series in Darwin, Australia, scheduled from August 14 to 24.

In another change, pacer Mohammad Wasim Jr comes in for left-arm fast bowler Salman Mirza.

Salman was also overlooked for the senior side for the upcoming T20I series against the West Indies despite making an impressive debut earlier this year against Bangladesh.

Middle-order batter Haider was removed from the squad after he was temporarily suspended due to a criminal investigation against him in the United Kingdom.

“The PCB has been made aware of a criminal investigation currently being conducted by the Greater Manchester Police involving cricketer Haider Ali,” the board stated earlier.

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“The investigation pertains to an incident that reportedly occurred during the Pakistan Shaheens’ recent tour of England.”

Led by Muhammad Irfan Khan, the Shaheens will begin their campaign against Bangladesh ‘A’ on August 14 at TIO Stadium.

The squad includes experienced internationals such as Abdul Samad (five T20Is), Faisal Akram (three ODIs), and Mubasir Khan (one T20I).

Pakistan Shaheens updated squad

Team management: Ghulam Ali (head coach), Sami Ullah Niazi (bowling coach), Mansoor Amjad (fielding coach), Muhammad Ibrahim (analyst), Muhammad Aleem (physio).

READ: Babar on verge of surpassing Kohli’s record in West Indies series

Haider Ali barred from leaving UK after police custody

Pakistani cricketer Haider Ali has been granted bail after being arrested in Manchester during the recently concluded Pakistan Shaheens tour of England.

Despite his release, he faces travel restrictions as authorities continue their investigation, sources confirm.

The 24-year-old, who has represented Pakistan in 35 T20 internationals, was detained for three days.

As a result, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has provisionally suspended Haider Ali.

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“The PCB has been made aware of a criminal investigation currently being conducted by the Greater Manchester Police involving cricketer Haider Ali,” the board said in a statement.

“The investigation pertains to an incident that reportedly occurred during the Pakistan Shaheens’ recent tour of England,” it added.

The PCB mentioned additional steps to provide legal support to safeguard Haider Ali’s rights.

“In line with its duty of care and responsibility to ensure the welfare and legal rights of all its players, the PCB has ensured that Haider Ali has received appropriate legal support to protect his rights throughout this process,” the board said.

The board further stated that it fully respects the legal procedures and processes of the United Kingdom and acknowledges the need for the investigation to unfold properly.

During the tour, Pakistan Shaheens featured in a three-match one-day series and two three-day fixtures.

Haider Ali was a key player for Pakistan Shaheens during the UK tour, participating in all three 50-over matches against a first-class XI and two three-day games.

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Ali Zaryab hits ton as Pakistan Shaheens’ three-day fixture ends in draw

CANTERBURY: Ali Zaryab scored an unbeaten century as the day fixture between Pakistan Shaheens and South Asian Cricket Academy & MCC Young Cricketers ended in a stalemate here at the Spitfire Ground on Monday.

With this match, Shaheens’ tour of England concluded, where they played three one-day matches and two three-day games.

South Asian Cricket Academy & MCC Young Cricketers XI resumed their innings at the overnight score of 183-6 in 60 overs.

However, MCCY-SACA-XI lost their seventh wicket early on the score of 212 runs.

Pakistan Shaheens bowled well and cleaned up the lower order of the home side for 278 runs. As a result, Pakistan Shaheens have a 107-run first innings lead.

For Shaheens, Mubasir Khan was the standout bowler who picked up three wickets ,whereas Mehran Mumtaz and Musa Khan scalped two wickets each.

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For MCCY-SACA-XI, Feroze Khushi was the top scorer, returning unbeaten on 90 from 142 balls.

After losing opener Azain Awais (5) for just seven runs on the board, Pakistan Shaheens opener Shamyl Hussain and one down batter Ali Zaryab forged a vital 142-run partnership for the second wicket to keep the home side bowlers at bay.

Shamyl made 70 off 131 balls, hitting nine fours and a six, whereas Ali scored a century.

He made 100* off 141 balls with the aid of eight fours and a six. Later, Pakistan Shaheens declared their second innings on 196 for two in 50.5 overs as the match ended in a draw.

During the tour, Pakistan Shaheens clinched the three-match one-day series against Professional County Club Select XI 2-1, while their first three-day game against the same side also ended in a draw.

READ: Trophy unveiled for Pakistan-Ireland T20I series

Rohail Nazir’s century, bowlers put Pakistan Shaheens in command on day two

CANTERBURY: Rohail Nazir’s composed century, followed by a clinical bowling performance, put Pakistan Shaheens on top against South Asian Cricket Academy and MCC Young Cricketers here at the Spitfire Ground on Monday.

At the stumps on day two of the three-day fixture, South Asian Cricket Academy & MCC Young Cricketers scored 183 for the loss of six wickets, still 202 runs behind Pakistan Shaheens’ first innings total.

Wicketkeeper batter Jack Carney and Vivan Hassen are unbeaten on 32 and 10, respectively.

Pakistan Shaheens’ bowlers dominated the proceedings throughout the day. Pacer Ubaid Shah laid the first blow, removing opener Ollie Meadows for eight as the scorecard read 19.

After the early wicket, Max Dunne and Andrew Umeed added 39 runs for their second-wicket partnership before both fell prey to Mehran Mumtaz.

Dunne made 26 from 64 balls, whereas Umeed scored 30 off 87 deliveries.

As a result, South Asian Cricket Academy & MCC Young Cricketers were 80-3.

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The home side continued to lose wickets at regular intervals with Stuart van der Merwe top scoring with 41 runs off 101 balls.

For Pakistan Shaheens, Mubasir Khan, Ubaid Shah, and Mehran Mumtaz picked up two wickets each.

Earlier, Pakistan Shaheens continued from their overnight total of 369-8 as Rohail Nazir and Maaz Sadaqat looked to further solidify Pakistan Shaheen’s total.

The duo added 16 more to their overnight partnership of 72 runs as Pakistan Shaheens declared their first innings on 385-5 soon after Rohail Nazir notched up his first century of the tour.

The right-handed batter top-scored with 100* of 120 balls, laced with 14 fours. Maaz Sadaqat was equally good for his 48-ball 39, with the aid of two fours and as many sixes.

For South Asian Cricket Academy & MCC Young Cricketers, Sana Khan, Hishaam, and Easa Nadeem took two wickets each.

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Pakistan Shaheens commence training ahead of Top-End series in Australia

LAHORE: Pakistan Shaheens begin their training camp at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) here on Sunday for the forthcoming Top-End T20 series in Australia.

The eight players from the 15-member squad carried out a training session under the supervision of the coaching staff, led by head coach Ghulam Ali.

The Pakistan Shaheens squad members who participated in the session were Captain Muhammad Irfan Khan, Abdul Samad, Ahmed Daniyal, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Saad Masood, Mohammad Salman Mirza, and Yasir Khan.

The remaining seven squad members are currently on tour with the Pakistan Shaheens in England and will join the camp on August 7.

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During the five-day camp in Lahore, players will participate in both training sessions and scenario-based matches.

The 11-team Top End T20 Series is scheduled to take place in Darwin from August 14 to 24.

Pakistan Shaheens’ squad for Top End T20 Series

Muhammad Irfan Khan (captain), Abdul Samad, Ahmed Daniyal, Faisal Akram, Haider Ali, Maaz Sadaqat, Mehran Mumtaz, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wicket-keeper), Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicket-keeper), Mubasir Khan, Saad Masood, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Shahid Aziz, Ubaid Shah, and Yasir Khan

Team management: Ghulam Ali (head coach), Sami Ullah Niazi (bowling coach), Mansoor Amjad (fielding coach), Muhammad Ibrahim (analyst) and Muhammad Aleem (physio)

Pakistan Shaheens fixtures:

14 Aug – vs Bangladesh ‘A’, TIO Stadium (7pm local time)

16 Aug – vs Scorchers, TIO Stadium (4pm local time)

18 Aug – vs Renegades, TIO Stadium (6pm local time)

19 Aug – vs Kingsmen, DXC Arena (1pm local time)

20 Aug – vs Strikers, DXC Arena (7pm local time)

22 Aug – vs Nepal, DXC Arena (7pm local time)

24 Aug – Semi-finals and final

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Haider Ali, Azan Awais help Pakistan Shaheens clinch series over PCC Select XI

SUSSEX: Azan Awais and Haider Ali struck half-centuries to hand Pakistan Shaheens a five-wicket win over the Professional County Club (PCC) Select XI in the third one-day match here on Sunday.

The victory also helped the Shaheens clinch the three-match series 2-1.

Chasing 261 to win, Pakistan Shaheens’ openers Shamyl Hussain and Azan Awais provided a solid 101-run start to the innings.

Left-hander Shamyl was the first to depart, returning to the pavilion after scoring 40 off 55 balls, including four boundaries.

Azan Awais was then joined by Mohammad Suleman and the pair stitched a 68-run stand for the second wicket, with Suleman contributing a brisk 44 off 40 balls, hitting four fours and three sixes.

After Suleman’s dismissal in the 31st over, captain Saud Shakeel (1 off 6) was soon back in the pavilion, leaving Pakistan Shaheens three down for 171 in 31.2 overs.

At that crucial juncture, Azan was joined by Haider Ali, who had earlier played a match-winning knock in the first one-day match.

The pair added 33 runs for the fourth wicket before Azan fell for a composed 88 off 104 balls, laced with 12 fours and a six.

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Pakistan Shaheens reached the target with 37 balls to spare, due to a quick-fire knock from Haider Ali, who remained unbeaten on 55 off 40 balls, striking five fours and three towering sixes.

For the Professional County Club Select XI, leg-spinner Harrison was the most successful bowler, claiming two wickets for 48 runs in eight overs.

Earlier in the day, right-arm fast bowler Ubaid Shah returned impressive figures of 4 for 41 in 9.4 overs to help bundle out the hosts for 260 in 46.4 overs.

Ubaid not only dismissed in-form opener Will Smeed (8), but also removed Ollie Sykes, top scorer for his side with a 56-ball 64, including two fours and five sixes.

Tom Lawes contributed 49, while wicketkeeper-batter Thomas made 44 off 52 balls before being bowled by Ubaid.

Musa Khan was also amongst the wickets, claiming 2 for 39, while Mir Hamza and Saud picked up a wicket each.

Having won the first one-day match by five wickets (DLS method), Pakistan Shaheens will now take on the Professional County Club (PCC) Select XI in the first three-day match, commencing from 29 July at the same venue.

The second three-day match will be against South Asian Cricket Academy & MCC Young Cricketers at the Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence, Canterbury from 3 to 5 August.

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PCC Select XI defeat Pakistan Shaheens in second one-day clash

BECKENHAM: The Professional County Club (PCC) Select XI secured a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Pakistan Shaheens in the second one-day here at the County Ground on Friday.

PCC Select XI chased down the modest target of 153 runs in 26 overs, losing only three wickets in the process.

The home side faced a challenging start, losing both of their openers within the first five and being reduced to 35-2. Mohammed Isacc was the first to be removed, scoring 13 off 16 balls, whereas Will Smeed crisped three fours before being out on 18 off 11 deliveries.

Following the early setbacks, Tom Lawes and Hamza Sheikh batted responsibly, forging a 59-run stand to steady their team in the chase. The duo’s cautious stand brought the score to 94-3 in 13 overs.

With PCC Select XI cruising, Shahid Aziz was brought into the attack, who removed a well-set batter, Tom Lawes, to give the visitors a reprieve.

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However, Hamza Shaikh’s and skipper Luc Martin Benkenstein’s decisive 59-run partnership kept Shaheen’s bowlers at bay.

Shaikh top-scored with 54* off 63 balls, striking four boundaries and a six, while Benkenstein struck two fours on his way to 23 off 32 balls.

For Pakistan Shaheens, Shahid Aziz, Ubaid Shah, and Mir Hamza picked up a wicket each.

Earlier, after being put into bat, Pakistan Shaheens were bowled out for 152 runs in only 29.3 overs, with Azan Awais top scoring with 68 off 85 balls. However, no other batter could contribute significantly.

Ali Zaryab (14 off 23 balls), Omair Bin Yousuf (4 off 5 deliveries), and skipper Saud Shakeel could only manage to score five.

For PCC Select XI, Jafer Chohan was the standout bowler, picking up four wickets in 5.3 overs and giving away 44 runs. Scott Currie was equally good, scalping three wickets in his six overs.

With this win, PCC Select XI leveled the One-Day series at 1-1, with one match to go, which will be played at the 1st Central County Ground, Hove on 27 July.

Playing XIs:

Professional County Club Select XI: Will Smeed, Isaac Mohammed, Tom Lawes, Hamza Shaikh, Luc Benkenstein (C), Ollie Sykes, Joe Moores (WK), Dan Douthwaite, Jafer Chohan, Mitchell Stanley, Scott Currie

Pakistan Shaheens: Ali Zaryab, Azan Awais, Omair Bin Yousuf, Saud Shakeel (C), Haider Ali, Maaz Sadaqat, Rohail Nazir (WK), Shahid Aziz, Ubaid Shah, Mir Hamza, Faisal Akram

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