Pak vs Nepal: Shaheens reach Top End T20 Series semis with one-run thriller

DARWIN: Pakistan Shaheens booked their spot in the semi-finals of the Top End T20 Series after edging out Nepal by just one run in a nail-biting clash on Friday.

The win was sealed thanks to a brilliant death-bowling spell from left-arm spinner Faisal Akram, who played a crucial role in securing the Shaheens’ place in the semi-finals, scheduled for Sunday, August 24.

Batting first, Shaheens posted 144-9 in 20 overs after a shaky start that saw them lose three wickets inside four overs.

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Top End T20 Series 2025

Pakistan Shaheens beat Nepal by 1 run.

Pakistan Shaheens: 144-9 (20 ov)

Nepal: 143-7 (20 ov)

Scorecard: https://t.co/BJMGIpTSoF#BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/Z2ata8j54X

— PCB Live Scores (@TheRealPCB_Live) August 22, 2025

Skipper Irfan Khan held the innings together with a fluent 42 off 26 balls, while Abdul Samad chipped in with 26 and Mohammad Wasim added 23 late in the innings.

Sompal Kami was Nepal’s most effective bowler with 3-30, supported by Dipendra Singh Airee and Nandan Yadav, who took two wickets each.

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Chasing 145, Nepal came agonisingly close but fell short at 143-7.

Captain Rohit Paudel anchored the reply with a fighting 52 off 44 balls, while Airee threatened to snatch the game with a blistering 41 off just 21 deliveries.

However, crucial wickets in the final overs, including Airee’s run-out on the last ball, sealed victory for Shaheens.

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Mohammad Wasim (2-28) and Faisal Akram (2-29) provided key breakthroughs.

Top End T20 Series 2025 | Pakistan Shaheens vs Nepal | Short Highlights

Pakistan Shaheens beat Nepal by one run in a final-ball thriller at the DXC Arena in Darwin 🏏#PakistanShaheens | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/DenZ8dWFhd

— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) August 22, 2025

Muhammad Irfan Khan (Pakistan Shaheens) was named Player of the Match.

It was the Shaheens’ sixth clash of the Top End T20 Series. With four wins, they now stand second on the points table with eight points.

The victory against Nepal added another close finish to the Shaheens’ campaign, keeping their hopes for bagging the Top End T20 Series title alive and highlighting the team’s growing temperament in pressure situations.