Darwin, August 20, 2025 — Pakistan Shaheens’ uncapped 20-year-old Maaz Sadaqat announced himself in style with a blazing century that floored the Adelaide Strikers Academy and powered his team to a thumping 107-run win in the Top End T20 Series. The left-hander, known more in domestic circles for his all-round ability, smashed 104 off just 59 balls in a brutal yet controlled display of stroke-play, an innings laced with 11 fours and two sixes.
Sent in to open the batting after Pakistan Shaheens won the toss, Maaz wasted no time in taking control of the match. Alongside fellow opener Yasir Khan, he blunted the new ball and then went on the attack, peppering the boundaries in Darwin’s DXC Arena. The pair put on 149 runs for the opening wicket, setting the tone for what turned into one of the most commanding batting performances of the tournament so far. Yasir chipped in with 51 off 35, striking five boundaries and a six, but the day belonged to Maaz.
Reaching his half-century in just 29 deliveries, Maaz kept accelerating. His confidence grew with every over as he mixed classical drives with brutal pulls and sweeps. The landmark moment arrived in the 17th over when he launched a huge six over cow-corner to bring up his maiden T20 hundred in Shaheens colours. The celebrations were short-lived, though, as he fell caught and bowled to Tom O’Connell just three balls later. But the damage had already been done.
Abdul Samad chipped in with a brisk 25 off 18 to push Shaheens to 202 for six in their 20 overs, a total that looked daunting from the outset. The Strikers Academy never found their footing in the chase. Wickets tumbled regularly as Mubasir Khan struck thrice, returning figures of three for 19. Left-arm spinners Faisal Akram and Mehran Mumtaz chipped in with two wickets apiece, tightening the squeeze from both ends.
Only Mackenzie Harvey, with a fighting 27 off 17, offered resistance, but once he departed, the rest folded meekly. The Strikers were bundled out for 95 in just 16.1 overs, handing Shaheens a colossal 107-run victory.
Maaz’s century not only sealed the win but also underlined his potential as one of Pakistan’s brightest young prospects. His fluent stroke-making, composure, and ability to dominate a quality attack will have surely caught the eyes of selectors back home. For now, he takes home the Player of the Match award and, more importantly, has given the Shaheens vital momentum in their Top End T20 campaign.
This win was the Shaheens’ third in five outings, putting them firmly back in contention in the tournament standings. And if Maaz Sadaqat continues in this form, Pakistan cricket may have unearthed another future star.