Dhaka: Bangladesh A tasted a three-wicket defeat to Melbourne Stars in their fifth match of the Top End T20 series at DXC Arena in Darwin, Australia today. The defeat, Bangladesh’s third in the tournament, left their aspiration to play the semifinal in limbo.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Bangladesh posted a total of 156-8, which Melbourne overhauled with four balls to spare, reaching 157-7. Jonothan Merlo played a crucial role for Melbourne Stars, hammering a 38-ball 61, which included four fours and three sixes, to lead the charge. His innings was instrumental in achieving the target despite Bangladesh bowlers reducing Melbourne to 81-5 in the 12th over. Merlo’s performance led Melbourne to their third victory in the fifth match.
For Bangladesh, top-order batter Saif Hasan made a team-best 45, while captain Nurul Hasan Sohan added 33. Yasir Ali contributed with a quick 17-ball 29 to push the score past 150. Bangladesh had a poor start after being sent to bat first, with Naim Sheikh and Jishan Alam struggling to make an impact. Naim was dismissed for 19 after facing 21 balls, and Jishan made a run-a-ball 13. Afif Hossain, who scored over 40 runs in the previous three matches, was out for a duck, putting Bangladesh A in further trouble.
Saif and Sohan added 63 runs for the fourth wicket to stabilize the innings, but the quick dismissals of both left Bangladesh in an awkward situation before Yasir provided a strong finish. Hamish McKenzie claimed 3-21 for Melbourne, contributing to their victory. Bangladesh earlier won two and lost two in the first four matches of the tournament.