Shaheens gear up for Darwin challenge | The Express Tribune

LAHORE:

Pakistan Shaheens led by Muhammad Irfan Khan will begin their campaign in the Top End T20 Series on Thursday, 14 August when they take on Bangladesh ‘A’ in the opening match of the tournament at the TIO Stadium in Darwin, Australia.

The first ball of the match will be bowled at 7pm local time (3.30pm PKT). The tournament matches will be broadcast live on A-Sports and live-streamed on ARY ZAP in Pakistan.

Since their arrival in Darwin on 10 August, the 15-member squad has undergone three practice sessions under the coaching staff led by Ghulam Ali.

The 11-team tournament comprising 13 matches will be played from 14 to 24 August across five venues in Darwin. Shaheens, who featured in the inaugural T20 edition in 2023 led by Rohail Nazir, lost to Northern Territory Strike by 46 runs in the final.

In last year’s edition, Shaheens captained by Mohammad Haris lost to Adelaide Strikers in the first semi-final by 30 runs.

Muhammad Irfan Khan while talking exclusively to PCB Digital on the eve of the tournament said:

“We are aiming to take the best possible combination into the match. Bangladesh ‘A’ are also a strong side, so our focus will be on fielding the right combination, especially as this is the first game of the tournament and we want to start well.

“We have trained according to the conditions and each player has been given a specific role to perform. The main focus is to execute those roles effectively in the match so that the team can achieve success.

“We are stepping onto the field with great energy and determination and will be putting in our utmost effort to deliver strong performances in the tournament.”

15-member squad: Muhammad Irfan Khan (captain), Abdul Samad, Ahmed Daniyal, Faisal Akram, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wicket-keeper), Maaz Sadaqat, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Faiq, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicket-keeper), Mubasir Khan, Saad Masood, Shahid Aziz, Ubaid Shah and Yasir Khan

Team management: Ghulam Ali (head coach), Sami Ullah Niazi (bowling coach), Mansoor Amjad (fielding coach), Muhammad Ibrahim (analyst) and Muhammad Aleem (physio)

Coaches vow to excel

Pakistan Shaheens head coach Ghulam Ali on Wednesday, expressed confidence in his team’s ability to perform well in the upcoming Top End T20 series, emphasising the importance of adapting to local conditions.

Speaking to the media in Darwin Ali said the team has been training in the city for the past three days to adjust to Australian conditions.

“Most of our players are experiencing Australia for the first time, so we are working hard to get them accustomed to the pitches and weather. Our aim is to perform well in the series,” he said.

Highlighting the significance of overseas tours for player development, Ghulam Ali noted that the Pakistan Shaheens had previously toured England.

“Playing abroad helps prepare quality players for the national team,” he added.

On the role of young openers in the squad, he said many are stepping up because they believe they can make an impact in the opening position.

“Players are given plans according to their roles, and every position matters,” he explained.

However, Ali stressed that every player, regardless of their position, is crucial. He also emphasised the connection between fitness and fielding.

“Better fitness makes for better fielders. With the increased amount of cricket today, focus on fitness and fielding has become even more important,” he said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Shaheens bowling coach Samiullah Niazi described the squad’s young fast bowlers as the future of Pakistan cricket.

“We are working to make them mentally ready for international-level competition. The team is balanced, and every player has a good platform to showcase their talent,” he said.