In a thrilling semi-final clash at the Top End T20 Series in Darwin on August 24, 2025, the Perth Scorchers outclassed the Pakistan Shaheens by 48 runs at Gardens Oval. This defeat marked the Shaheens’ second consecutive semi-final loss in the tournament, following their exit against the Adelaide Strikers last year. Powered by Nicholas Hobson’s explosive 59 and Keaton Critchell’s fiery bowling, the Scorchers secured their spot in the final with a commanding performance.
Scorchers Set a Competitive Total
Opting to bat first after losing the toss, the Scorchers posted a challenging 155 for eight in their 20 overs. The innings faced early turbulence, with Pakistan’s spin trio—Faisal Akram, Mehran Mumtaz, and Saad Masood—wreaking havoc in the middle overs, reducing the Scorchers to 69 for six. Saad Masood led the bowling attack with an impressive 3-21, while Mehran Mumtaz (2-18) and Mohammad Wasim Jnr (2-35) chipped in with two wickets each.
However, a crucial 44-run seventh-wicket partnership between Nicholas Hobson and Matthew Kelly turned the tide. Hobson’s 43-ball 59, laced with seven fours and two sixes, anchored the innings, while Kelly’s 23 off 19 balls (one four, two sixes) provided vital momentum. Their efforts ensured the Scorchers crossed the 100-run mark and finished at a respectable 155-8.
Shaheens’ Batting Collapse
Chasing 156, the Pakistan Shaheens’ batting lineup crumbled early, losing three wickets for just 17 runs within five overs. A brief recovery came via a 38-run stand between Khawaja Nafay (26 off 24, one four, two sixes) and captain Muhammad Irfan Khan (17 off 15, one four). However, Nafay’s run-out and Irfan’s dismissal triggered a collapse, with the Shaheens bundled out for 107 in 17.1 overs.
Mohammad Wasim Jnr offered some resistance with a 26-ball 25 (three fours, one six), but it wasn’t enough. Keaton Critchell, named Player of the Match, tore through the Shaheens with 3-13, while Bryce Jackson (2-14) and Matthew Kelly (2-8) provided stellar support.
Turning Points
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Nicholas Hobson (59 off 43): His aggressive knock rescued the Scorchers from a precarious 69-6, setting a defendable total.
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Keaton Critchell (3-13): His fiery spell dismantled the Shaheens’ top order, earning him the Player of the Match award.
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Saad Masood (3-21): The leg-spinner’s disciplined bowling kept the Scorchers in check during the middle overs.
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Shaheens’ Early Collapse: Losing three wickets inside five overs set the tone for their downfall, unable to recover against a disciplined Scorchers attack.
The Pakistan Shaheens entered the semi-final as the second-placed team in the 11-team tournament, boasting four wins from six matches. Despite their strong league stage, this loss highlighted their struggles in crunch knockout games, mirroring their semi-final exit to the Adelaide Strikers in the previous edition at DXC Arena.
Scores
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Perth Scorchers: 155-8 in 20 overs (Nicholas Hobson 59, Teague Wills 29, Matthew Kelly 23; Saad Masood 3-21, Mehran Mumtaz 2-18, Mohammad Wasim Jnr 2-35)
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Pakistan Shaheens: 107 all out in 17.1 overs (Khawaja Nafay 26, Mohammad Wasim Jnr 25; Keaton Critchell 3-13, Matthew Kelly 2-8, Bryce Jackson 2-14)
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Player of the Match: Keaton Critchell (Perth Scorchers)
The Scorchers advance to the Top End T20 Series final, aiming to clinch the title, while the Shaheens will look to regroup and address their semi-final woes in future tournaments. This match underscored the importance of partnerships and disciplined bowling in T20 cricket, with the Scorchers showcasing both in abundance
