PCB announces Shaheens squad for Top End T20 series in Australia
LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday revealed a 15-player squad for the Pakistan Shaheens, who will compete in the upcoming Top End T20 Series in Darwin, Australia, set to be held from August 14 to 24.
Middle-order batter Mohammad Irfan Khan, who has already donned the Pakistan jersey in nine ODIs and 14 T20Is, has been appointed as captain for the event. The Shaheens will open their campaign against Bangladesh ‘A’ on August 14 at the TIO Stadium in Darwin. The squad features multiple players with international exposure.
Among them are Abdul Samad (five T20Is), Faisal Akram (three ODIs), Haider Ali (two ODIs and 35 T20Is), and Mubasir Khan (one T20I), all of whom are expected to add valuable experience to the side.
Pace bowlers Ahmed Daniyal and Mohammad Salman Mirza, who have also been named in Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh, will further strengthen the bowling attack.
After the opening clash, the Shaheens will face Scorchers on August 16 at TIO Stadium and then take on Renegades at the same venue on August 18.
They will then lock horns with Kingsmen at DXC Arena on August 19, followed by games against the Strikers on August 21 and Nepal on August 22, both at DXC Arena.
The semi-finals and the final of the Top End T20 Series will be played on August 24. Details regarding the training camp for the Darwin tour will be shared in due course.
Pakistan Shaheens squad:
Mohammad Irfan Khan (captain), Abdul Samad, Ahmed Daniyal, Faisal Akram, Haider Ali, Maaz Sadaqat, Mehran Mumtaz, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wicketkeeper), Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Mubasir Khan, Saad Masood, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Shahid Aziz, Ubaid Shah, and Yasir Khan.
Pakistan Shaheens fixtures:
14 Aug: vs Bangladesh ‘A’, TIO Stadium
16 Aug: vs Scorchers, TIO Stadium
18 Aug: vs Renegades, TIO Stadium
19 Aug: vs Kingsmen, DXC Arena
21 Aug: vs Strikers, DXC Arena
22 Aug: vs Nepal, DXC Arena
24 Aug: Semi-finals and final
