Darwin: Bangladesh A returned to the winning way in the Top End T20 tournament, beating Northern Territory Strike by 22 runs at DXC Arena in Darwin, Australia today. Sent to bat first, Bangladesh A compiled a challenging 172-4 before defending the total by restricting Northern Territory for 150-7.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Hasan Mahmud, Rakibul Hasan, and Tofael Ahmed claimed two wickets each to help the side defend the total. Jordan Silk hit 48 for Northern Territory while Connor Carrol added 43. Apart from the duo, no one could resist Bangladesh A bowlers well, which eventually led them to a defeat.
Afif Hossain was the top-scorer for Bangladesh A with 41 not out, although he played 40 balls. Apart from Afif, the other batters maintained a good strike rate to help Bangladesh A put up a respectable total. Bangladesh got a whirlwind start through openers Naim Sheikh and Jishan Alam, who put on 55 runs in just 3.3 overs.
Naim Sheikh, who made 11 ball-25, was the first to go, followed by Saif Hasan, who was out for a single-digit score. The situation further compounded when Jishan was dismissed after hammering 30 off 23. Afif then held one end with patient batting, but skipper Nurul Hasan Sohan paced the innings with a 23 ball-35. Yasir Ali Chowdhury gave the finishing touch, hitting an unbeaten 22 off 13, an innings featuring two fours and one six.
Tom Menzis returned figures of 2-43 for Northern Territory. Bangladesh A had won only one match in the tournament so far in the past three matches. While they secured a victory against Nepal, they tasted defeat to Pakistan Shaheens and Perth Scorchers.