Top End T20 series Archives

Hassan Khan powers Kingsmen to victory; Renegades, Hurricanes cruise in Top End series

DARWIN: All-round Hassan Khan powered Chicago Kingsmen to victory, whereas Melbourne Renegades, Hobart Hurricanes, Northern Territory Strike, and ACT Comets also recorded wins here on Friday in the Top End T20 series.

Hassan Khan starred with bat and ball to guide the Kingsmen to a two-wicket win over Perth Scorchers Academy.

Chasing a target of 142, Chicago Kingsmen sealed the win on the first ball of the 19th over. Despite losing three for 47 at the end of the power play, Kingsmen ended on the winning side, thanks to measured knocks from captain Hammad Azam and Hassan Khan.

Azam remained unbeaten on 28 from 16 balls, hitting four boundaries, whereas Hassan made 22 off 11 deliveries with an equal number of fours.

For Perth Scorchers Academy, Teague Wyllie scored 67 off 50 balls, while Matthew Kelly managed to scalp three wickets.

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Hassan Khan was awarded the Player of the Match for his three wickets and vital contribution with the bat.

In another match, Northern Territory Strike (NTS) comprehensively defeated Nepal by 42 runs.

Put into bat first, NTS scored 177-8 in their allocated 20 overs with captain D’Arcy Short scoring 51 from 34 balls, laced with seven fours and a six.

For Nepal, Sandeep Lamichhane took three wickets in his quota of four overs.

In reply, Nepal could only muster 135-8, with Kushal Malla remaining the top scorer. The left-hander made 34 from 26 balls.

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Matt Hammond was the standout bowler for NT Strike with three wickets to his name.

Earlier, Hobart Hurricanes and Melbourne Renegades Academies won their matches in the second and third fixtures of the Top End Series, respectively.

Hurricanes comprehensively defeated the Australian Cricket Territory team by seven wickets.

The Hurricanes chased down the 162-run target on the second ball of the last over with Bradley Hope scoring 65 off 51 balls with the aid of two sixes and half a dozen boundaries.

Meanwhile, Melbourne Renegades edge out Melbourne Stars Academy by four runs in a thriller.

Chasing a 189-run target, Stars could not go over the line in the last over and could only manage to score 185-6.

Will Sutherland was pivotal with his all-round performance, scoring 63 off 34 and also taking two wickets in the match.

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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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Sharjeel Khan named in Kingsmen squad for Top End T20 Series

The Chicago Kingsmen, one of the most consistent franchises in the USA’s Minor League Cricket, have named explosive Pakistani batter Sharjeel Khan in their 16-member squad for the upcoming Top End T20 Series 2025.

All-rounder Hammad Azam will lead the side, which includes big names such as hard-hitting opener Sharjeel Khan, pacer Ehsan Adil, and left-arm spinner Umer Khan.

All-rounder Hassan Khan, wicketkeeper Shayan Jahangir, and pacers Asif Mehmood and Ghulam Mudassar also make the cut.

Sharjeel, a seasoned campaigner for Pakistan, has represented the national team in 25 ODIs, 21 T20Is, and one Test.

Meanwhile, former Pakistan head coach Grant Bradburn will take charge as Kingsmen’s coach for the tour.

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

The Kingsmen will open their campaign against Big Bash League (BBL) side Perth Scorchers at TIO Stadium on August 15, before facing Adelaide Strikers at the same venue on August 17.

Their next outings will be against Pakistan Shaheens at DXC Arena on August 19, ACT Comets on August 20, and NT Strike on August 21. They will wrap up the league stage against Hobart Hurricanes on August 23.

The semi-finals and final are set for August 24, while the tournament will get underway on August 14 with the Pakistan Shaheens taking on Bangladesh ‘A’ at TIO Stadium.

Kingsmen squad for Top End T20 Series

Hammad Azam (c), Saad Ali, Hassan Khan, Sharjeel Khan, Scott Kuggeleijn, Ehsan Adil, Milind Kumar, Tajinder Singh, Nick Fletcher, Shayan Jahangir, Shehan Jayasuriya, Arya Kannantha, Umer Khan, Faraz Ali, Asif Mehmood, Ghulam Mudassar.

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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).

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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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PCB announces Pakistan Shaheens squad for Top End T20 Series

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 15-member squad for the Pakistan Shaheens, led by captain Muhammad Irfan Khan, to participate in the Top End T20 Series in Darwin, Australia.

The Pakistan Shaheens will kick off the tournament with their opening match against Bangladesh ‘A’ on August 14 at TIO Stadium in Darwin. The tournament is scheduled to take place from August 14 to 24.

The 15-member squad announced includes Abdul Samad (five T20Is), Faisal Akram (three ODIs), Haider Ali (two ODIs, 35 T20Is), Mubasir Khan (one T20I), all featured for Pakistan men’s team previously, while Ahmed Daniyal and Mohammad Salman Mirza are part of Pakistan T20I squad for upcoming Bangladesh series.

Shaheens’ second fixture in the T20 tournament will be against Scorchers at the TIO Stadium on 16 August, with the first ball set to be bowled at 4pm local time.

The third Shaheens’ encounter in the tournament will be against Renegades on 18 August at the same venue, with the first ball to be bowled at 6pm local time.

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On 19 August, Pakistan Shaheens will take on Kingsmen at the DXC Arena, with the first ball to be bowled at 1pm local time.

Shaheens’ fifth fixture in the event will be against Strikers at the DXC Arena, with the first ball to be bowled at 7pm.

The sixth and final fixture of Shaheens will be against Nepal on 22 August at the DXC Arena, with the first ball to be bowled at 7pm local time.

The semi-finals and final of the event are scheduled for 24 August. The training camp for the Darwin-bound squad will be announced in due course.

Pakistan Shaheens’ squad for Top End T20 Series

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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Full Schedule announced for Top End T20 Series 2025 featuring Pakistan Shaheens

The schedule for the Top End T20 Series 2025 has been revealed, featuring the Pakistan Shaheens, alongside a record 11 teams, set to begin from 14 August at Darwin.

The tournament will feature five Big Bash League (BBL) academy teams, three international A sides, and several regional teams from Australia.

Among the international teams, Nepal, Pakistan Shaheens, Bangladesh ‘A’, and Chicago Kingsmen will be facing off against Australia’s ACT Comets and NT Strike.

The BBL teams include academy teams from Hobart Hurricanes, Perth Scorchers, Melbourne Stars, and Melbourne Renegades.

Pakistan will face Bangladesh ‘A’ in the tournament opener on August 14 at the TIO Stadium in Darwin.

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The Men in Green will then face the Perth Scorchers on 16 August and the Melbourne Renegades two days later, followed by a match against the Perth Scorchers on 20 August. The Shaheens will play their final game against Nepal on August 22.

The semifinals and final of the series will be played on 24 August at the DXC Arena in Darwin.

Schedule For Top-End T20 Series

Pakistan vs Bangladesh, TIO Stadium, Thu 14 Aug

Pakistan vs Scorchers Academy, TIO Stadium, Sat 16 Aug

Renegades Academy vs Pakistan, TIO Stadium, Mon 18 Aug

Kingsmen vs Pakistan, DXC Arena, Tue 19 Aug

Pakistan vs Strikers Academy, DXC Arena, Wed 20 Aug

Pakistan vs Nepal, DXC Arena, Fri 22 Aug

Semi-Final 1: 4th vs 1st DXC Arena, Sun 24 Aug

Semi-Final 2: 3rd vs 2nd Gardens

Final DXC Arena

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Pakistan Shaheens to feature in Top End T20 Series in Darwin

LAHORE: Pakistan Shaheens will return to Darwin for the third successive year to take part in the Top End T20 Series, the country’s cricket board confirmed on Tuesday.

This year’s edition of Top End T20 Series will take place in Darwin from 14 to 24 August, with Pakistan Shaheens taking on Bangladesh A in the opening match of the tournament on 14 August at the TIO Stadium.

The event will feature 11 teams with 36 T20 fixtures to be played across five venues, including DXC Arena, TIO Stadium, Gardens Oval, Cazaly’s Arena and Freds Pass.

In the 2023 edition, Pakistan Shaheens qualified for the final, while in last year’s event, they featured in the first semi-final.

“We are pleased to confirm Pakistan Shaheens’ participation in the Top End T20 Series for the third consecutive year,” said PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed.

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“This tournament continues to serve as a platform for our emerging cricketers to gain valuable exposure and experience in competitive conditions.

“We are grateful to Northern Territory Cricket for their continued collaboration and for providing a professional and high-quality tournament that contributes significantly to the growth of our emerging talent.”

Meanwhile, Northern Territory (NT) Cricket CEO Gavin Dovey expressed his delight at welcoming the Pakistan Shaheens to the Top End T20 Series.

“We are once again delighted to welcome our good friends the PCB and BCB to Darwin, where it is an honour and privilege to host two genuine giants of the game,” he said.

“The Top End T20 Series was created as a vehicle to market and promote the Northern Territory as a destination to visit, live, work or study, and I don’t think there is a sport in the Territory that can connect with a bigger audience.”

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Abbas Afridi’s heroics in vain as Pakistan Shaheens falter in Top End T20 semi-final

DARWIN: Mohammad Abbas Afridi’s all-round heroics went in vain as Pakistan Shaheens lost by 30 runs to Adelaide Strikers in the first semi-final of the Top End T20 series on Sunday at the DXC Arena in Darwin.

Afridi took three wickets and scored a quickfire 29-ball 54, however, Pakistan Shaheens bundled out for a mere 167 while chasing Strikers’ 197-5.

In pursuit of the 198-run target, Pakistan Shaheens lost a wicket in the second, third, fourth and fifth over as they were reduced to 33-4 in 4.1 overs.

Mohammad Haris got off to a steady start scoring 19 off 11 balls with the help of three fours before falling to Tim Oakley in the third over.

Mubasir Khan (18) and Usman Khan (32) stitched a 32-run fifth-wicket partnership but both fell in the eighth and 11th overs respectively with the scorecard reading 65-5 and then 91-6.

Abbas, who walked into bat at seven, belted five fours and three sixes during his 29-ball stay on the crease but with no support from the other end.

Arif Yaqoob (15) and Mohammad Imran Jnr (11) chipped in with small contributions but all in vain as the team was bundled out for 167 in 18.1 overs.

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Liam Scott picked up three wickets while Jordan Buckingham and Lloyd Pope had two each to their names. Oakley, Tim O’Connell and Noah Mcfayden dismissed one batter each.

Earlier, after Shaheens opted to bowl first, Adelaide Strikers’ opening batter Jake Winter smashed a 61-ball 104 hitting six fours and eight sixes to take the game away.

He was joined by Harry Manenti, who scored a 32-ball 52, in the ninth over as the duo stitched a 73-run fourth-wicket partnership in 7.4 overs, taking the team score from 57-3 to 130-4 in 15.4 overs when Manenti departed.

Sam Rahaley remained unbeaten on 13 off 10 hitting one four as Winter was finally dismissed in the last over of the innings.

For Shaheens, Abbas took three wickets while Faisal Akram chipped in with two.

This semi-final loss brings an end to the Pakistan Shaheens tour of Darwin which began with a two four-day match series against Bangladesh A in July followed by two 50-over matches against Bangladesh ‘A’ and NT Strike.

Pakistan Shaheens played seven matches in the Top End T20 series winning five and losing two.

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