Pakistan Shaheens beat Renegades on back of Abdul Samad’s ton

DARWIN: Abdul Samad struck a glittering unbeaten century to guide Pakistan Shaheens to a decisive win over Melbourne Renegades Academy in the Top End T20 Series at TIO Stadium on Monday.

Chasing 179, the Renegades collapsed to 105 all out in the final over, with only opener Josh Brown offering resistance with a 36 off 30 balls.

None of the other top-order batsmen managed double figures as the side slumped to 66-8 inside 13 overs before some late resistance from tailenders Xavier Crone (11), Callum Stowe (15) and Michael Archer (14*).

For the Shaheens, Muaz Sadaqat bagged three wickets while Faisal Akram took two.

Earlier, asked to bat first, the Shaheens recovered from a shaky start to post 178-5, thanks to a magnificent knock from Samad.

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Both openers, Yasir Khan and Khawaja Nafay, departed without scoring, leaving the side reeling at 2-2 in the second over.

Mohammad Faiq (21 off 18) provided some stability before Samad took charge.

The young right-hander anchored the innings with calculated stroke play, reaching his fifty before accelerating in the latter stages.

He put on a match-turning 109-run stand for the fifth wicket with skipper Irfan Khan, who contributed 23.

Samad finished on a stunning 110 not out from 63 balls, laced with six fours and six sixes.

Abdul Samad scored 𝟏𝟏𝟎*(𝟔𝟑) vs Melbourne Renegades, ball-by-ball highlights 🔥

With the kind of power hitting he brings, it’s hard to believe he wasn’t picked for the Asia Cup squad#PakistanCricket | #TopEndT20 pic.twitter.com/HA5Y72bDkB

— Usman (@jamilmusman_) August 18, 2025

He was ably supported at the end by Mohammad Wasim Jr, unbeaten on 2, as Shaheens closed on 178-5.

Five different Renegades bowlers picked up a wicket apiece.

The result handed Renegades Academy their first defeat in the tournament, while Pakistan Shaheens registered their second win in three matches.

Shaheen’s first and only loss was against Perth Scorchers, who beat them by two wickets in the eighth fixture of the Top End T20 Series at the TIO Stadium on August 16.

They will play their fourth match against Chicago Kingsmen tomorrow (Tuesday, August 19).

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