Perth Scorchers posted 155/8 and bowled out Pakistan Shaheens for 107 to seal a 48-run win in the Top End T20 semi-final. Shaheens’ spinners impressed early, but their chase faltered despite brief resistance from Nafay (26) and Wasim Jr (25).

By PakPassion Staff (August 24, 2025)

After being asked to bat, Scorchers posted 155 for eight in their 20 overs. They stumbled midway through the innings, losing six wickets for 69 runs under pressure from the spin trio of Faisal Akram, Mehran Mumtaz, and Saad Masood.

Nicholas Hobson then partnered with Matthew Kelly to add 44 runs for the seventh wicket, pushing the total past 100. Hobson anchored the innings with a 43-ball 59 (7 fours, 2 sixes), while Kelly chipped in with 23 off 19 balls (1 four, 2 sixes).

Shaheens’ leg-spinner Saad Masood was the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 21, while Mehran Mumtaz and Mohammad Wasim Jnr claimed two wickets apiece. Faisal Akram took one wicket for 36 runs.

In response, Shaheens lost three early wickets for just 17 runs. Khawaja Nafay and captain Muhammad Irfan Khan steadied the innings briefly with a 38-run stand before Nafay was run out for 26 off 24 (1 four, 2 sixes). Irfan followed soon after for 17 off 15 (1 four).

The collapse continued, and Shaheens were bowled out for 107 in 17.1 overs, with Wasim Jnr (25 off 26, 3 fours, 1 six) the last man dismissed.

For Scorchers, Keaton Critchell starred with the ball, taking 3 for 13, while Bryce Jackson and Matthew Kelly picked up two wickets each.

Earlier in the tournament, Pakistan Shaheens had finished second on the points table with four wins from six matches in the 11-team competition.

Scores in brief:

Perth Scorchers beat Pakistan Shaheens by 48 runs

Perth Scorchers 155-8, 20 overs (Nicholas Hobson 59, Teague Wills 29, Matthew Kelly 23; Saad Masood 3-21, Mehran Mumtaz 2-18, Mohammad Wasim Jnr 2-35)

Pakistan Shaheens 107 all out, 17.1 overs (Khawaja Nafay 26, Mohammad Wasim Jnr 25; Keaton Critchell 3-13, Matthew Kelly 2-8, Bryce Jackson 2-14)

Player of the Match – Keaton Critchell (Perth Scorchers)