LAHORE: Pakistan Shaheens’ hopes of clinching the Top End T20 Series were dashed as they suffered a 30-run defeat against Adelaide Strikers in the semi-finals.
A blistering century from Jack Winter proved to be the difference between the two sides. His explosive knock of 104, studded with 8 sixes and 6 fours, propelled Adelaide Strikers to a formidable total of 197/5.
In response, Pakistan Shaheens struggled from the outset, losing early wickets and failing to build substantial partnerships. Despite a late flourish from Abbas Afridi, who scored a quickfire 54, the Shaheens were bowled out for 167 in 18.1 overs.
Jack Winter’s explosive century, featuring 8 sixes and 6 fours, was the standout performance as he scored 104 runs. This defeat marks another tough outing for the Pakistan Shaheens, who also lost last year’s Top End T20 Series final to NT Strike by 46 runs.
After early setbacks, with Adelaide Strikers losing 3 wickets for 57 runs, Jack Winter and Harry Manenti steadied the innings, adding 73 runs for the fourth wicket. Jack Winter’s aggressive approach saw him dominate the Shaheens’ bowlers, particularly Faisal Akram, off whom he smashed 5 sixes in a single over.
Winter scored 104 runs, including 6 fours and 8 sixes. Harry Manenti scored 52 runs with 9 fours and a six. Abbas Afridi was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan Shaheens, claiming three wickets, while Faisal Akram took two.
Pakistan Shaheens’ batting lineup struggled early on, losing 4 wickets for just 33 runs within the first five overs, with only captain Mohammad Haris managing to reach double figures, scoring 19. Later contributions came from Usman Khan, who scored 32, and Mubasir Khan, who added 18 runs.
Abbas Afridi’s late surge, scoring 54 runs with 3 sixes and 5 fours, and his 60-run partnership with Arif Yaqoob for the eighth wicket, couldn’t save the Shaheens. Liam Scott took three key wickets for the Strikers.
