Shaheens fall short despite Akram’s brilliance in Top End T20 clash

A brilliant spell of left-arm spin by Faisal Akram went unrewarded as Perth Scorchers Academy held their nerve to defeat Pakistan Shaheens by two wickets in a tense, low-scoring encounter of the Top End T20 series at the TIO Stadium on Saturday.

Chasing a modest target of 112, the Scorchers stumbled early, slipping to 34-3 within the first five overs.

 Joel Curtis and Nick Hobson then steadied the innings with a 42-run partnership that appeared to put their side in control.

However, the game dramatically swung back in Pakistan’s favour when Faisal Akram produced a stunning spell of spin bowling.

The 20-year-old spinner first dismissed Hobson for 27 and then sent Matthew Spoors back for a golden duck, before removing Luke Holt to leave the Scorchers struggling at 86-6.

Akram continued his demolition by claiming two more wickets, including the well-set Curtis on 27, completing an exceptional five-wicket haul that reduced the Australians to 100-8 with 12 runs still required.

Despite the pressure, Corey Rocchiccioli (8*) and Brody Couch (7*) held firm in the closing stages, guiding their team across the line with seven balls to spare.

Rocchiccioli sealed victory in style, smashing Saad Masood for a six to end the contest.

Earlier, Pakistan Shaheens opted to bat first but suffered a disastrous start, collapsing to 11-3 inside three overs.

Mohammad Faiq (21 off 24) provided brief resistance before wickets continued to tumble, leaving the scoreboard at 53-6 by the halfway stage.

Saad Masood offered a late fight with a resilient 42 off 32 balls, including three sixes and a four, but with little support from the other end, the Shaheens were bowled out for 111 in 18.5 overs.

For the Scorchers, Matthew Kelly led the bowling attack with figures of 3-18, while Bryce Jackson, Brody Couch, and Luke Holt chipped in with two wickets apiece.