Tayyab Tahir’s heroics in vain as Melbourne Stars edge past Pakistan Shaheens

DARWIN: Tayyab Tahir’s unbeaten half-century went in vain as Melbourne Stars edged past Pakistan Shaheens by 47 runs in the Top End T20 series 2024 on Sunday at the DXC Arena.

While batting first, Melbourne Stars posted an imposing total of 175-4, on the back of Liam Blackford’s half-century and Ashley Chandrasinghe’s 47.

After opting to bat first, Blackford and Chandrasinghe constructed a 91-run opening partnership in 12.2 overs.

Arif Yaqoob provided the first breakthrough to Pakistan Shaheens as he removed Blackford, who top-scored for Melbourne with a 43-ball 55 with seven boundaries.

Skipper Dylan Brasher scored 10 before falling prey to Jahandad Khan.

Chandrasinghe played a calculated 47-run knock from 42 balls with the help of four boundaries and two sixes but he also fell to Jahandad.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Arjun Nair played a quick cameo of 36 runs from 15 balls, which included three sixes and three boundaries to push the team’s total to 175-4 in 20 overs.

In response, Pakistan Shaheens had an unwanted start as they lost opening batters Sahibzada Farhan (26) and Haseebullah Khan (11) with 44 runs on the board.

Reiley Mark removed Usman Khan in the seventh over, followed by two more wickets in his next over, while a run-out also occurred in the same over, leaving the Shaheens reeling at 58-6.

Tayyab Tahir held on to one end and scored an unbeaten knock of 57 runs from 43 balls but could not get support from the other end. Pakistan Shaheens only managed 128-9 in 20 overs, while chasing 176.

Reiley Mark topped the wicket-takers chart with four wickets, while Arjun Nair picked two.

READ: Adam Zampa hopeful of playing Test cricket for Australia