Jack Winter's century guides Strikers to 30-run win over Shaheens in Top End T20 semi-final

The Adelaide Strikers secured a 30-run victory over the Pakistan Shaheens in the semi-final of the Top End T20 Series on Sunday, advancing to the final of the competition.

Jack Winter’s explosive century, featuring 8 sixes and 6 fours, stole the spotlight as he powered the Strikers to a total of 197/5. His innings of 104 runs was the backbone of Adelaide’s innings after early setbacks, with the team initially struggling at 57/3. Winter and Harry Manenti added a crucial 73-run partnership for the fourth wicket, stabilising the innings. Manenti chipped in with a valuable 52, featuring 9 fours and a six.

Pakistan Shaheens won the toss and opted to bowl first. Their bowlers, led by Abbas Afridi with figures of 3/51, managed to put pressure early on but were unable to contain Winter’s onslaught. Faisal Akram, who took 2 wickets, was particularly punished, conceding 5 sixes in a single over against Winter.

In response, Pakistan Shaheens were bowled out for 167 in 18.1 overs. Their batting lineup faltered early, losing 4 wickets for just 33 runs. Despite a late surge led by Abbas Afridi, who scored 54 off 30 balls with 3 sixes and 5 fours, the Shaheens fell short. Contributions from Usman Khan (32) and Mubasir Khan (18) offered brief resistance, but the top order crumbled.

Liam Scott was instrumental for the Strikers with the ball, taking 3 wickets, while Lloyd Pope and Jordan Buckingham picked up 2 each, ensuring the Shaheens never recovered from their early collapse.

This defeat marks another disappointment for the Pakistan Shaheens, who also lost in last year’s Top End T20 Series final to NT Strike by 46 runs.

Scores in brief

Adelaide Strikers 197-5, 20 overs (Jake Winter 104, Harry Manenti 52; Mohammad Abbas Afridi 3-51, Faisal Akram 2-58)

Pakistan Shaheens 167 all out, 18.1 overs (Mohammad Abbas Afridi 54, Usman Khan 32; Scott 3-44, Lloyd Pope 2-32, Jordan Buckingham 2-33)