Dhaka: The Bangladesh High Performance (HP) team faced a narrow one-wicket defeat against Victoria Cricket Association in the Top End T20 semifinal today, resulting in their exit from the tournament. The team had arrived in Darwin with aspirations to secure the trophy for a second time.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Bangladesh HP, led by Irfan Shukkur, showcased commendable skills throughout the tournament, playing a total of seven matches and securing five victories in the league phase. Their campaign saw them defeating teams like Australia's Northern Territory and Victoria, New Zealand 'A', Pakistan's Hyderabad Kingsmen, and Nepal. Their only league defeat came at the hands of Adelaide Strikers Academy, who ultimately became the champions.
Mystery spinner Mohammad Rubel emerged as the tournament's leading wicket-taker, claiming 23 wickets from seven matches. His exceptional performance continued into the semifinal, where he took three wickets for 15 runs in four overs. Other bowlers also contributed, with left-arm spinner Rakibul Hasan taking nine wickets in five matches and pacer Ripon Mondal securing eight wickets in six games. Abdul Ghaffar Saqlain added seven wickets to his name across all seven matches.
In terms of batting, Ariful Islam led the team's run-scoring efforts with a total of 219 runs, including two half-centuries, at a strike rate of 138.60. He was the third-highest run-scorer in the tournament. Former Bangladesh international Sabbir Rahman also made significant contributions, scoring 184 runs in seven matches with two fifties at a strike rate of 124.32.
Nevertheless, several batters struggled with consistency. Shamim Patwari managed 107 runs in six innings, including a 51-run knock, while Jisan Alam scored 102 runs in six matches. Habibur Rahman Sohan accumulated 85 runs in seven games. Captain Irfan Shukkur had a particularly challenging tournament, amassing only 72 runs in six innings.