Bangladesh HP came within one wicket of pulling off a last-over victory against Victoria Academy, but eventually fell short in a thrilling Top End T20 semifinal in Darwin.
Defending only 102, Bangladesh HP pushed the match to the final over. Victoria eventually reached 105 for nine with two balls remaining to win by one wicket and book their place in the final.
Victoria lost Harry Dixon early in the chase. Tom Rogers and Campbell Kellaway then steadied the innings.
Rogers scored 18 from 18 balls, while Kellaway made 23 from 28.
Bangladesh HP refused to let Victoria take control of the chase. They continued to pick up wickets and kept themselves in the contest.
Mohammad Rubel played a major role in their fightback. The mystery spinner produced another impressive spell and put Victoria under serious pressure.
Bangladesh HP eventually reduced their opponents to nine wickets down and moved within one wicket of victory.
Rubel finished with three wickets for just 15 runs from his four overs.
However, Bangladesh HP could not find the final breakthrough. Victoria held their nerve and completed the chase with two balls remaining. The one wicket defeat ended Bangladesh HP’s hopes of reaching the Top End T20 final.
Earlier, Bangladesh HP were bowled out for only 101 after losing the toss and being asked to bat.
They lost Habibur Rahman Sohan early before Jishan Alam and Ariful Islam tried to rebuild the innings.
Jishan played an attacking knock of 30 from 20 balls. Ariful also scored quickly, making 19 from 10 deliveries.
But their dismissals left Bangladesh HP in trouble. The remaining batters struggled to build partnerships.
Sabbir Rahman scored only five from eight balls, while Irfaan Shukkur and Shamim Patwari also failed to make an impact.
Abdul Gaffar Saqlain and Abu Hider Rony added some important runs towards the end. Saqlain made 10, while Abu Hider scored 12 to help Bangladesh HP reach 101.
Will Sutherland was the standout bowler for Victoria, taking four wickets. The small total eventually proved just enough for Victoria to chase, but Bangladesh HP made them fight until the final moments before their campaign came to an end.
