The Bangladesh ‘A’ team defeated Nepal by 32 runs in their second match of the Top End T20 Series at the Marrara Cricket Ground No 2 in Darwin on Saturday.
Following a defeat in the opening match, Bangladesh made a strong comeback as their bowlers restricted their Nepali counterparts to 154-7 after Jishan Alam’s impressive half-century saw Bangladesh post 186-6 in 20 overs.
Spinner Rakibul Hasan claimed 3-18, while Hasan Mahmud took 2-36.
Defending the total, pacer Hasan struck on his second delivery of his first over to dismiss opener Kushal Bhurtel (12), while Rakibul had Lokesh Bahadur caught by Mahidul Islam for 15.
Ripon Mondol then got rid of captain Rohit Paudel for 10, which opened the floodgates as Bangladesh bowlers, led by Rakibul, continued to trouble Nepal by taking wickets at regular intervals, reducing them to 86-6.
Kushal Malla showed courage in adversity by hitting a 47-ball 59, including six fours and a six, forming a 47-run partnership with Nandan Yadav (14). However, that was not enough to avoid the defeat.
Earlier, opting to bat first, Bangladesh openers Mohammad Naim and Jishan made a brisk start as they built a 62-run partnership.
Naim had to depart after making 25 off 18 balls by Sandeep Lamichhane, while Jishan, who was aggressive from the outset, scored the highest, 73 off 46 balls, featuring four boundaries and five sixes.
Jishan added another 49-run partnership with Saif Hassan to anchor Bangladesh to a strong position before being trapped lbw by Nandan.
Saif, who scored a half-century in the last match against Pakistan Shaheens, failed to replicate his form as he was run out for just 11.
Afif Hossain then led the team by smashing a quickfire 48 not out off 23 balls that included nine fours, as captain Nurul Hasan (5), Mahidul Islam (7), and Tufayel Ahmed failed to reach double figures.
Rijan Dhakal took 2-34 for Nepal.
Bangladesh will face Perth Scorchers Academy in their third match at the TIO Stadium, Darwin, today.
