Pakistan Shaheens’ pace bowlers led the team to a strong eight-wicket win over Bangladesh ‘A’ in the second 50-over match at the DXC Arena in Darwin on Tuesday.
Chasing a small target of 79, the Shaheens finished the game in just 17 overs. Usman Khan played a key role, scoring an unbeaten 39 from 45 balls with five fours and a six. Tayyab Tahir supported him well with 17 not out off 36 balls, hitting one boundary.
Usman had a 48-run second-wicket stand with Faseeh and a 27-run unbeaten partnership with Tayyab to secure the win. Sahibzada Farhan was out early for a duck, dismissed by Ripon Mondol in the second over.
Ripon Mondol was the best performer for Bangladesh ‘A’, taking both opening wickets but lacked support from other bowlers.
Earlier, Pakistan Shaheens chose to bowl first, and their pacers dominated with the new ball. Khurram Shahzad took the wickets of Tanzid Hasan and Akbar Ali. Mohammad Imran Jnr took down the top order, removing Jishan Alam, Parvez Hossain, and Afif Hossain within the powerplay.
The fast bowlers left Bangladesh ‘A’ struggling at 32-5 after 9.4 overs. Parvez Hossain was the only top-order batter to score in double figures with 19 runs off 30 balls.
Mahfuzur Rahman and Shamim Hossain had a brief 21-run partnership, but Bangladesh ‘A’ collapsed again, losing their last five wickets for just 25 runs. Mubasir Khan dismissed Mahfuzur and Abu Haider Rony in the 16th and 20th overs, respectively.
Jahandad Khan also took wickets, dismissing Shamim Hossain and Ripon Mondol in the 21st over. Rakibul Hasan (5 not out) and Mukidul Islam (3) added a small partnership for the last wicket before Arafat Minhas dismissed Mukidul. Bangladesh ‘A’ was all out for 78 in 24.3 overs.
Imran Jnr led the Shaheens’ attack with three wickets. Khurram Shahzad, Jahandad Khan, and Mubasir Khan each took two wickets. Arafat Minhas contributed with one wicket.
The Pakistan Shaheens will now prepare for the Top End T20 series, starting with a match against the Perth Scorchers on August 10.
