DARWIN — Pakistan Shaheens suffered a narrow defeat to Perth Scorchers Academy in the Top End T20 Series bowled out for just 111 before the hosts scraped home with two wickets and seven balls to spare at TIO Stadium.
Shaheens Faisal Akram starred with the ball returning remarkable figures of 5/16 in four overs and walking away with the Man of the Match award. But his brilliance could not prevent the Scorchers from clinching victory in a tense finish.
Shaheens Batting Collapse at Stadium
Opting to bat first, captain Irfan Khan Niazi’s side faltered early slumping to 11–3 within three overs.
- Saad Masood top-scored with a fighting 42 off 32 balls striking three sixes and a boundary.
- Mohammad Faiq added 21 runs while Maaz Siddiqui chipped in with 14.
- No other batter crossed double figures as eight players failed to settle at the crease.
The Shaheens were eventually dismissed for 111 in 18.5 overs, a total that looked under par on a lively Darwin surface.
For the Scorchers, Matthew Kelly led the attack with 3/14 supported by Bryce Jackson, Brody Couch and Luke Holt who claimed two wickets each. Spinner Corey Rocchiccioli chipped in with one.
Faisal Akram’s Five-for Keeps Shaheens in the Contest
Defending a modest total, Pakistan Shaheens made early inroads reducing Perth Scorchers to 34–3 inside five overs.
A 42-run partnership between Joel Curtis (31 off 30) and Nick Hobson (27 off 26) steadied the innings before Faisal Akram sparked a collapse.
The left-arm spinner dismissed Hobson, Matthew Spoors (first ball) and Luke Holt in quick succession then returned to remove Curtis and another batter to complete a stunning five-wicket haul.
His spell left the Scorchers wobbling at 99–8 with just 12 runs needed and two wickets in hand.
But *Brody Couch (7)** and *Corey Rocchiccioli (8)** held their nerve, Rocchiccioli sealing the win with a six off Saad Masood in the 19th over.
Key Match Figures
| Saad Masood | 42 (32) | 1 wicket |
| Mohammad Faiq | 21 (24) | – |
| Maaz Siddiqui | 14 | – |
| Faisal Akram | – | 5/16 (4 overs) |
| Mohammad Wasim Jr. | – | 1 wicket |
| Ubaid Shah | – | 1 wicket |
| Joel Curtis | 31 (30) | – |
| Nick Hobson | 27 (26) | – |
| Rocchiccioli | 8* (winning six) | 1 wicket |
| Matthew Kelly | – | 3/14 |
| Bryce Jackson | – | 2 wickets |
| Brody Couch | 7* | 2 wickets |
| Luke Holt | – | 2 wickets |
Pakistani Perspective
While the result went against the Shaheens, Faisal Akram’s match-winning potential stood out as the brightest takeaway. His five-wicket burst against a seasoned Scorchers Academy lineup underlined his reputation as one of Pakistan’s most promising left-arm spinners.
Saad Masood’s resilient innings also gave the visitors a competitive total, though lack of partnerships and middle-order stability remain concerns heading into the remaining matches of the Top End T20 Series.
The defeat highlights both the opportunities and challenges facing Pakistan’s next generation of cricketers. Performances like Faisal’s will encourage selectors as they continue to build a strong pipeline beneath the senior national team.
What is Next for Pakistan Shaheens
The Top End T20 Series in Darwin is designed to test Pakistan’s emerging talent against strong Australian academy setups. The Shaheens will now look to regroup quickly, aiming to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures.
With Faisal Akram already making headlines and bowlers like Ubaid Shah and Mohammad Wasim Jr. providing glimpses of their ability, Pakistan fans can expect more competitive cricket in the coming days.
