Abdul Samad’s Hundred Lights Up Top End T20
Pakistan Shaheens bounced back in style at the Top End T20 Series as Abdul Samad’s breathtaking century guided them to a commanding 73-run win against Melbourne Renegades Academy at TIO Stadium on Monday. Samad, who walked in with the team reeling at 2 for 2, produced a masterclass in power-hitting, smashing an unbeaten 110 from just 63 balls, decorated with six fours and six towering sixes. His innings turned what looked like a crisis into a statement performance for the Shaheens.
Pakistan Shaheens’ Batting: From Collapse to Recovery
Put in to bat, the Shaheens endured a nightmare start. Openers Nafay and Yasir were back in the pavilion inside the first two overs, followed by quick dismissals of Mohammad Faiq (21) and Maaz Sadaqat (4). At 55/4, the Shaheens were in deep trouble.
That’s when Abdul Samad stepped up. Calm under pressure, he rebuilt with skipper Irfan Khan Niazi (23 off 23), the pair adding a crucial 109-run stand for the fifth wicket. Their partnership shifted momentum completely, and Samad’s acceleration in the death overs powered Pakistan to 178/5 in 20 overs.
For the Renegades, bowlers Fergus O’Neill, Will Sutherland, Michael Archer, Callum Stow, and Oliver Peake each claimed one wicket, but none could stop Samad’s onslaught.
Renegades Fall Apart in the Chase
Chasing 179, the Melbourne Renegades Academy never found rhythm. Ubaid Shah struck early, removing opener Harry Dixon (4), before left-arm spinner Maaz Sadaqat (3/22) tore through the top order with quick wickets of Jai Lemire (2) and Dylan Brasher (3).
Their only resistance came from Josh Brown, who scored a fighting 36 off 30 balls. Once he fell to Faisal Akram (2/19), the rest of the batting crumbled. The wickets kept tumbling, with contributions from nearly every Shaheens bowler:
- Maaz Sadaqat – 3/22
- Faisal Akram – 2/19
- Ubaid Shah – 1/20
- Mohammad Wasim Jr – 1/6
- Saad Masood – 1/21
- Mubassir Khan – 1/4
The Renegades were bundled out for 105 in 19.2 overs, handing Pakistan a thumping victory.
Samad the Standout Performer
Abdul Samad’s innings was the clear difference between the two sides. Walking in under pressure, he showed maturity, composure, and brutal hitting power. His strike rate of 174.6 highlighted how he balanced building the innings with accelerating at the right time. For Pakistan cricket fans, his hundred was not just about runs but a reminder of the depth and future talent in the pipeline.
Conclusion
Abdul Samad’s blistering ton transformed Pakistan Shaheens’ fortunes in Darwin. From a shaky 55/4 to a towering total and then a dominant bowling display, it was a complete team performance. Yet, it was Samad’s bat that truly lit up the night, leaving fans and selectors alike with plenty to be excited about for the future of Pakistan cricket.
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