Rubel, Ripon’s fight in vain as Bangladesh HP bow out of Top End T20

Bangladesh High Performance (HP) squad’s brave fight with the ball went in vain as they suffered a one-wicket defeat to Victoria CA in the first semifinal to bow out of the Top End T20 tournament in Darwin on Sunday.

Chasing just 102 for victory, Victoria CA needed one run from the final over. However, things turned a bit interesting when they lost their ninth wicket to a run-out off the first ball. There was to be no further drama, though, as Liam Blackford finished the match with a square cut for four off Shamim Hossain’s fourth delivery.

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After winning the toss, Victoria CA sent Bangladesh in to bat, and the HP squad’s batting collapsed despite having five players with international cricket experience in their XI.

Opener Jishan Alam top-scored with 30 off 20 balls, while Ariful Islam made 19 off 10 before being dismissed. The rest of the batting line-up struggled, with Sabbir Rahman (5 off 8), captain Irfaan Shukkur (0 off 1), and national team regular Shamim (8 off 7) failing to make an impact.

Will Sutherland spearheaded Victoria CA’s bowling effort, taking four wickets for 27 runs, while Sam Elliott claimed two for 14 in 3.1 overs. Australian off-spinner Todd Murphy, who played seven Tests, also chipped in with two wickets for 14 runs in three overs as HP were restricted to 101.

The Victoria CA batters also struggled in pursuit of the modest target, losing wickets at regular intervals on a Darwin pitch that offered plenty for the spinners.

Off-spinner Md Rubel, the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, kept HP in the contest with another superb spell, taking three wickets for just 15 runs in four overs. Pacer Ripon Mondol also bowled four tight overs, taking one wicket for 16 runs.

Rubel even had an opportunity to complete a hattrick at one stage, but Blackford kept his composure and played a short yet effective innings to take Victoria CA over the line. Blackford remained unbeaten for 19 off 26 deliveries, while Campbell Kellaway top-scored with a 28-ball 23 for Victoria CA.