DARWIN: Pakistan Shaheens survived a late onslaught from Nepal to clinch a nail-biting one-run victory in the 30th fixture of the Top End T20 series at Marrara Cricket Ground on Friday.
Defending 144, Shaheens held their nerve as Nepal finished on 143-7 after 20 overs. The game went down to the final delivery with three required, but Dipendra Singh Airee’s reverse hit attempt resulted in a run out, sealing a dramatic win for Pakistan.
With eight needed off the last over, left-arm spinner Faisal Akram kept his composure. Nepal managed four runs off the first two balls before Kushal Malla was stumped smartly by Ghazi Ghori. Akram then tightened the screws, leaving Aarif Sheikh to take only a single from the penultimate delivery. Airee, who had powered the chase with 41 off 21 balls, could not find the boundary under pressure.
Earlier, skipper Rohit Paudel anchored Nepal’s innings with a composed 52 from 44 balls, striking six boundaries. He shared a vital stand with opener Aasif Sheikh (27 off 30), but quick wickets in the middle overs derailed momentum. Despite Airee’s late fireworks, Pakistan’s bowlers, particularly Mohammad Wasim and Faisal Akram with two wickets apiece, ensured the Shaheens stayed in control at key moments.
Batting first after winning the toss, Pakistan Shaheens managed 144-9 in their 20 overs. They slumped to 74-7 before captain Muhammad Irfan Khan lifted them with a counterattacking 42 off 26 balls, laced with three fours and a six. He found support from Wasim, who added 23 from 22 deliveries.
For Nepal, Sompal Kami starred with the ball, bagging three wickets, while Dipendra Singh Airee and Nandan Yadav chipped in with two apiece.
The narrow win keeps Pakistan Shaheens’ momentum alive, while Nepal will be left ruing missed opportunities in a contest that went right down to the wire.
