On August 22, 2025, cricket fans witnessed an absolute rollercoaster of emotions at the Top End T20 Series 2025 in Darwin. In a match filled with twists and turns, Pakistan Shaheens managed to hold their nerve and defeat Nepal by just 1 run.
The thrilling finish came down to the last ball, where Nepal needed 2 runs to win, but Dipendra Singh Airee was run out attempting a desperate second run. The Shaheens held on, scripting an unforgettable victory.
This wasn’t just another T20 match — it was a nerve-shredding contest that will be remembered for clutch performances, quickfire cameos, and exceptional death bowling.
🏟️ Match Summary
| Match | Pakistan Shaheens vs Nepal |
|---|---|
| Event | Top End T20 Series 2025 |
| Date | August 22, 2025 |
| Venue | Marrara Oval, Darwin |
| Result | Pakistan Shaheens won by 1 run |
| Shaheens’ Score | 144/9 (20 overs) |
| Nepal’s Score | 143/7 (20 overs) |
| Player of the Match | 🏆 Irfan Khan (42* off 26) |
🔹 Pakistan Shaheens’ Innings: A Fighting Total of 144
Batting first, Pakistan Shaheens didn’t have the best start, losing wickets quickly and finding themselves in trouble at 4/49 inside 8 overs. However, Irfan Khan played a captain’s knock to steer his side to a competitive total of 144/9.
Top Performers with the Bat
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Irfan Khan (c) | 42* | 26 | 3 | 1 | 161.53 |
| Abdul Samad | 26 | 25 | 1 | 1 | 104.00 |
| Mohammad Wasim | 23 | 22 | 2 | 1 | 104.54 |
| Yasir Khan | 18 | 21 | 1 | 0 | 85.71 |
Nepal’s Bowling Attack
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sompal Kami | 4 | 30 | 3 | 7.50 |
| Nandan Yadav | 4 | 32 | 2 | 8.00 |
| Dipendra Singh Airee | 3 | 15 | 2 | 5.00 |
| Kushal Bhurtel | 4 | 29 | 1 | 7.25 |
| Sandeep Lamichhane | 4 | 28 | 0 | 7.00 |
Despite Dipendra Singh Airee’s tight bowling, Pakistan managed to reach 144, thanks to late fireworks from Irfan Khan and Mohammad Wasim.
🔹 Nepal’s Chase: Airee’s Heroics Almost Seal the Win
Chasing 145, Nepal had a shaky start, losing Kushal Bhurtel early for just 4 runs. But Rohit Paudel (52 off 44) and Dipendra Singh Airee (41 off 21) turned the game on its head with an explosive counter-attack.
At one stage, Nepal needed just 9 runs off the final over with Airee on strike — it looked like Nepal would pull off a famous win.
Nepal Batting Highlights
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rohit Paudel (c) | 52 | 44 | 6 | 1 | 118.18 |
| Dipendra Singh Airee | 41 | 21 | 2 | 1 | 195.23 |
| Aasif Sheikh | 27 | 30 | 1 | 0 | 90.00 |
| Lokesh Bam | 10 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 142.85 |
The Final Over Drama 🎭
- Target: 9 runs needed off 6 balls
- Bowler: Mohammad Wasim
- Set Batsman: Dipendra Singh Airee (41* off 19 at that point)
Ball 1: Airee takes a single → 8 needed off 5
Ball 2: Dot ball — nerves rising → 8 off 4
Ball 3: Airee hammers a boundary → 4 needed off 3
Ball 4: Quick couple of runs → 2 needed off 2
Ball 5: Airee swings hard but only gets 1 run → 1 needed off 1
Final Ball: Attempted second run… run out! Pakistan Shaheens win by 1 run! 🔥
🌟 Player of the Match: Irfan Khan
42 off 26 balls | 3 fours | 1 six | SR: 161.53*
While the match had several heroes, Irfan Khan’s captain’s knock and sharp fielding in the final over made the difference. His composed leadership ensured Pakistan Shaheens didn’t crumble under pressure.
📊 Key Match Stats
Batting Boundaries
- Pakistan Shaheens: 8 fours & 4 sixes
- Nepal: 11 fours & 2 sixes
Highest Partnership
- Nepal: Paudel & Airee – 47 runs
- Shaheens: Irfan Khan & Mohammad Wasim – 40 runs
Game-Changing Moments
- Airee’s run-out on the final ball 😱
- Irfan Khan’s late acceleration
- Faisal Akram’s two crucial wickets
🏏 Top End T20 Series 2025 Points Table Update
| Team | Matches | Won | Lost | NR | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan Shaheens | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 10 |
| Nepal | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 6 |
| Australia A | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 4 |
| PNG | 5 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 2 |
Pakistan Shaheens strengthen their position at the top, while Nepal remain in contention for the semi-finals despite this heartbreaking defeat.
📣 Social Media Explodes
🟢 Pakistan Fans:
“WHAT. A. MATCH! 🇵🇰 Shaheens proving they are the future stars of Pakistan cricket.”
🔵 Nepal Fans:
“Dipendra Singh Airee, you beauty! A true warrior 💔. Nepal cricket is rising!”
📰 Cricket Experts:
“This is exactly what Associate cricket needs — last-ball thrillers, drama, and world-class performances.”
❓ FAQs – Pakistan Shaheens vs Nepal (Top End T20)
Q1. Who won the match between Pakistan Shaheens and Nepal?
A: Pakistan Shaheens won by 1 run in a last-ball thriller.
Q2. Who was the Player of the Match?
A: Irfan Khan for his unbeaten 42 off 26 balls.
Q3. How many runs did Nepal need in the final over?
A: Nepal needed 9 runs off the last 6 balls but fell short by 1 run.
Q4. Who was Nepal’s top scorer?
A: Rohit Paudel scored 52, while Dipendra Singh Airee smashed 41 off 21.
Q5. What’s next for Pakistan Shaheens?
A: They face Australia A in their final group-stage clash, looking to secure the top spot.
🏆 Final Thoughts
The Pakistan Shaheens vs Nepal clash will be remembered as one of the best thrillers of the Top End T20 Series 2025.
- Shaheens showcased depth and composure despite early batting struggles.
- Nepal’s spirited fight, led by Paudel and Airee, nearly pulled off a stunning upset.
- The match had everything: big hits, tight bowling, sharp fielding, and a nerve-wracking finish.
This victory cements Pakistan Shaheens’ dominance in the series and boosts their confidence heading into the knockout stages. But for Nepal, this was a heartbreak with pride — a performance that proves they’re no pushovers on the big stage.