Bangladesh ‘A’ team claimed a 22-run victory over Northern Territory Strike in the ongoing Top End T20 Series at Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin on Tuesday.
After being put into bat first, Bangladesh scored 172-4 in 20 overs and restricted Northern Territory Strike to 150-7 through disciplined bowling effort to secure their second win in four matches.
Chasing the target, Northern’s top order faltered early after pacer Hasan Mahmud struck to dismiss Jake Weatherald (seven), and Ripon Mondol removed skipper Darcy Short (four) with a top-edge caught by keeper and captain Nurul Hasan.
Another pacer, Tofael Ahmed, had Sam Elder caught behind in the next over, reducing Northern to 24-3 after 3.2 overs.
Connor Carroll (43 off 30 balls) formed an 82-run partnership with Jordan Silk, who made 48 off 41 balls, helping them recover from a precarious position. However, neither of them reached a half-century.
Rakibul Hasan brought Bangladesh back into the game by taking consecutive wickets of Conor and Jordan as the team lost momentum.
Rakibul finished as the most economical bowler, with figures of 2-22, while Hasan and Tofael also took two wickets each.
Earlier, openers Mohammad Naim and Jishan Alam’s onslaught gave Bangladesh a flying start as they added 55-1 in just 3.3 overs.
However, they slowed down a bit after losing opener Naim (25 off 11), and Saif Hassan managed 3 off 10 before being dismissed by Short.
Following that, Jishan was also shown the way to the dressing room by Matt Hammond after three overs, scoring 30 in 23 balls with three fours and a six.
Nurul then scored a quick 23-ball 35, and Afif contributed a steady 41 off 40, adding a 43-run partnership, while Yasir Ali played a cameo of 22 in 13 balls, helping Bangladesh add 52 runs in the last five overs to post a strong total.
Tom Menzies took 2-43 for the Northern Territory Strike.
Bangladesh will face Melbourne Stars Academy on Thursday.