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DARWIN: Faisal Akram helped Pakistan Shaheens edge past Nepal by one run in the 30th fixture of the Top End T20 series here at Marrara Cricket Ground on Friday.
Chasing a modest target of 144 runs, Nepal fell just one run short and could manage to score 143-7 in 20 overs.
With eight required in the last over, Faisal Akram held his nerves and ensured that Pakistan Shaheens ended on the winning side.
The drama unfolded in the last over with Nepal scoring four runs in the first two deliveries. However, wicket-keeper Ghazi Ghori displayed presence of mind and stumped Kushal Malla.
Akram bowled beautifully, and Aarif Sheikh could only manage to take a single on the second-last ball, with Nepal eventually requiring three runs of the last delivery.
Under pressure, well-set batter, Dipendra Singh Airee, attempted an unconventional reverse shot, which went straight to the fielder, resulting in his run out and emphatic win for Pakistan Shaheens.
After losing an early wicket, Aasif Sheikh and captain Rohit Paudel paired up to take them over the 50-run mark.
Sheikh departed after playing a measured knock off 27 runs from 30 balls. As a result, Nepal were 58-2 in 11.4 overs. However, Shaheens made a comeback with Gulsan Jha (3) run out in the very next over.
With Nepal losing quick wickets, Rohit Paudel remained firm and top-scored with 52 from 44 balls. His innings featured six boundaries and a four.
Despite the skipper’s removal, Nepal cruised in the chase until the 19th over with Dipendra Singh Airee keeping them in the hunt. Airee played a valiant knock off 41 from 21 balls, striking two fours and a maximum.
For Pakistan Shaheens, Mohammad Wasim and Faisal Akram were the standout bowlers, picking up two wickets in their four overs.
Earlier, skipper of Pakistan Shaheens, Muhammad Irfan Khan, powered his team to a fighting total against Nepal with his 42 off 26 balls. Irfan’s knock included three fours and a six.
After deciding to bat first, Pakistan Shaheens mustered 144-9 in their allocated 20 overs.
Pakistan Shaheens could not capitalize on the decision as they lost wickets at regular intervals.
At one stage, the Shaheens were reeling at 74-7 in 12.3 overs until Muhammad Irfan and Mohammad Wasim’s partnership lifted them out of trouble.
Wasim made 23 from 22 balls with the aid of two fours and a maximum.
For Nepal, Sompal Kami took three wickets while Dipendra Singh Airee and Nandan Yadav supported him well with two wickets each.
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