In a nerve-wracking encounter at the Marrara Cricket Ground No. 2, Darwin, Pakistan Shaheens secured a narrow one-run victory against a spirited Nepal side in the 30th match of the Top End T20 Series. A combination of disciplined bowling, strategic breakthroughs, and a blistering cameo by Muhammad Irfan Khan ensured that the Shaheens emerged victorious, strengthening their position in the tournament standings.
Pakistan Shaheens’ Batting Struggles and Irfan Khan’s Heroics
Opting to bat first, the Shaheens endured a shaky start, losing Maaz Sadaqat (1) and Mohammad Faiq (2) cheaply in the second over, both victims of Nepal’s in-form all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee. The scoreboard read a miserable 4/2, leaving the team in early trouble.
The recovery began when Yasir Khan (18 off 21) and Abdul Samad (26 off 24) stitched together a 40-run stand, but just as momentum started to build, Kushal Bhurtel struck to dismiss Yasir. The collapse deepened as Samad and other middle-order batters fell in quick succession, reducing Pakistan to 60/6 by the 11th over.
The turnaround came from Muhammad Irfan Khan, who played a breathtaking 42 off 26 deliveries*, smashing three fours and one towering six. His composure under pressure and aggressive stroke play resurrected the innings. Supported by Mohammad Wasim Jr (23 off 22), the pair added 40 crucial runs for the eighth wicket, pushing Pakistan Shaheens to a respectable 144/9 in 20 overs.
For Nepal, Sompal Kami was exceptional with the ball, picking 3/30, while Airee and Nandan Yadav claimed two wickets apiece, ensuring Pakistan never fully settled.
Nepal’s Chase Anchored by Rohit Paudel and Airee
Chasing 145 runs, Nepal showcased intent from the start. Despite losing Aasif Sheikh (6) early, skipper Rohit Paudel anchored the innings with a calm and calculated 52 off 44 balls, decorated with six boundaries and a six. He was ably supported by Dipendra Singh Airee (41 off 21), whose explosive batting injected momentum into Nepal’s chase.
By the 16th over, Nepal stood at 108/3, needing just 37 runs off 24 deliveries with two set batters at the crease. The game looked firmly in their control, but a sudden twist changed the narrative.
Faisal Akram’s Nerves of Steel in the Final Over
The breakthrough arrived when Paudel fell on the first ball of the 17th over, a wicket that rejuvenated Pakistan’s bowlers. The momentum swung rapidly as tight bowling from Wasim Jr (2 wickets) and Mohammad Salman (1 wicket) applied pressure on Nepal.
The match reached its climax in the final over, with Nepal requiring 8 runs from 6 balls. Left-arm spinner Faisal Akram held his nerve, delivering a masterclass in death bowling. He conceded only six runs, picked up a wicket, and crucially forced a last-ball run-out of Airee, who was attempting a desperate second run with three needed off the final delivery.
Nepal’s innings ended at 143/7, just one run short of the target.
Key Performers of the Match
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Muhammad Irfan Khan (Pakistan Shaheens): A match-defining 42 off 26 balls*, rescuing his side from a middle-order collapse.
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Faisal Akram (Pakistan Shaheens): Displayed remarkable composure in the death overs with figures of 2/29 in 4 overs, including the game-winning final over.
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Rohit Paudel (Nepal): Scored a fighting 52 off 44, holding the innings together until his untimely dismissal.
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Dipendra Singh Airee (Nepal): Blistering 41 off 21 balls, nearly pulling off a dramatic chase.
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Sompal Kami (Nepal): Best bowler for his side, taking 3/30, breaking Pakistan’s partnerships at crucial stages.
Match Turning Points
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Pakistan’s Early Collapse (4/2): Airee’s double-strike in the second over tilted the game Nepal’s way.
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Irfan-Wasim Jr Partnership: Their 40-run stand was pivotal in giving Pakistan a fighting total.
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Paudel’s Dismissal (17th Over): A turning moment where Nepal lost their anchor, handing Pakistan belief.
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Faisal Akram’s Final Over: His economical bowling under immense pressure sealed a dramatic one-run win.
Impact on the Top End T20 Series Standings
This crucial victory lifted Pakistan Shaheens to second place in the 11-team Top End T20 Series standings, with 8 points from 6 matches. Their ability to pull off close encounters highlights the team’s resilience and growing maturity.
Meanwhile, despite their gallant fight, Nepal slipped to eighth place, holding 4 points from 4 games. The narrow defeat, however, showcased Nepal’s growing competitiveness in international cricket, earning praise for their fight against stronger sides.
Pakistan’s Strategy Moving Forward
Pakistan Shaheens’ management will be pleased with the performance of young talents such as Irfan Khan and Faisal Akram. However, the repeated top-order collapses remain a concern. If the team is to maintain consistency, the openers and middle-order batters must provide stability, ensuring the lower order is not burdened with frequent rescue acts.
Bowling, on the other hand, looks sharp with Wasim Jr, Faisal Akram, and Salman stepping up at critical junctures. The ability to defend modest totals speaks volumes about their discipline and match temperament.
Nepal’s Progress and Positives
Although Nepal fell agonizingly short, they can take immense pride in their performance. Rohit Paudel’s leadership, coupled with Airee’s all-round brilliance, is shaping a new era for Nepali cricket. The fight against a well-structured Pakistan side highlights their potential to upset bigger teams in upcoming tournaments.
Bowling depth, particularly the performances of Sompal Kami and Airee, is another major positive. If their batting unit finds more consistency, Nepal could well transform narrow defeats into victories.
Conclusion: A Thriller that Showcased the Spirit of Cricket
The Pakistan Shaheens vs Nepal clash in Darwin will be remembered as one of the most thrilling encounters of the Top End T20 Series 2025. From Irfan Khan’s aggressive rescue act to Faisal Akram’s calm brilliance in the death overs, the game encapsulated the drama and unpredictability of T20 cricket.
Both sides displayed immense fight, but Pakistan’s ability to hold their nerve in crunch moments ensured they walked away victorious. As the tournament progresses, this result will serve as a reminder of how even the narrowest of margins can separate glory from heartbreak in modern cricket.