Bangladesh ‘A’ Exit from Top End T20 Tournament

Bangladesh ‘A’ fell short in their bid to pull off the impossible at the Top End T20 Tournament in Darwin. To reach the semifinals, Nurul Hasan Sohan’s side needed a big-margin victory. Despite spirited batting displays from Afif Hossain and Jisan Alam, the Tigers could not achieve the required equation.

In their final group match on Saturday at Marrara Cricket Ground, Bangladesh ‘A’ posted 175 for 4 in 20 overs. Afif remained unbeaten on 49 off just 23 balls, while Jisan struck a fluent 50 off 37. Their efforts, however, went in vain as Adelaide Strikers Academy cruised to victory with 11 balls and seven wickets to spare.

After opting to bat first, Bangladesh got a solid start from Naeem Sheikh and Jisan, who added 48 for the opening wicket. Jisan reached his half-century but was dismissed the very next ball. His 50 proved the team’s highest score. Skipper Nurul Hasan fell cheaply, but Afif counterattacked brilliantly, smashing four boundaries and three sixes in his 23-ball innings. Alongside Yasir Ali, he forged an unbroken 70-run stand from 29 balls to lift the total.

For the Strikers Academy, Hanno Jacobs was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3 for 33.

Chasing 176, the hosts dominated from the outset through openers Mackenzie Harvey and Jack Winter. The pair tore into the Bangladesh attack, racing to a century partnership inside 11 overs. With the score on 123, Harvey departed for 35, but Winter continued his onslaught. He finished unbeaten on 102 from 53 deliveries, steering his side home in emphatic fashion. Harry Manenti’s explosive cameo of 25 from 14 balls added the finishing touches, as the Strikers sealed victory with ease.

The defeat confirmed Bangladesh ‘A’’s exit from the tournament, ending their Top End T20 campaign on a disappointing note.