Bangladesh ‘A’ secured their first victory of the Top End T20 Series on 16 August 2025, defeating Nepal by 32 runs in their second match of the tournament. Batting first in Darwin, the Tigers posted 186, before restricting Nepal to 154 in reply.
After winning the toss, Bangladesh ‘A’ opted to bat. Openers Naim Sheikh and Jisan Alam provided a strong start, adding 53 runs in the powerplay without losing a wicket. Jisan played aggressively from the outset, while Naim initially took a measured approach before accelerating. The opening stand was broken at 60, with Naim departing for 25 off 18 balls. Saif Hassan, coming in at three, managed only 11 from 11 deliveries.
Jisan continued his fluent batting, reaching a well-made fifty, and was well supported by Afif Hossain at number four, who also played aggressively. Despite a slight slowdown in Jisan’s scoring rate towards the end, he finished with a sparkling 71 from 45 balls. Captain Nurul Hasan Sohan could contribute little, scoring 5 off 11 before being dismissed.
Afif Hossain held the innings together in the closing stages, remaining unbeaten on 48 from 23 balls, helping Bangladesh finish on 186 for 5. Mahidul Islam Ankon contributed a quick 7 from 7 deliveries.
For Nepal, Rijan Dhakal took two wickets, while Karan KC, Nandan Yadav and Sandeep Lamichhane claimed one each.
In response, Nepal lost early wickets as Hasan Mahmud removed Kushal Bhurtel for 13, followed by Rakibul Hasan dismissing Lokesh Bam for 15. Captain Rohit Paudel was dismissed for 10 by Ripon Mondol. Aasif Sheikh made 28 from 24 but could not form substantial partnerships.
Kushal Malla played a resilient innings, finishing unbeaten on 59 from 47 balls, helping Nepal bat out the full 20 overs. However, the target proved too steep, and they ended on 154 for 7, falling short by 32 runs.
Rakibul Hasan was the standout bowler for Bangladesh, taking 3 wickets for just 18 runs. Hasan Mahmud took 2, while Ripon Mondol and Tofael Ahmed claimed one wicket each.
Bangladesh ‘A’ had lost their opening match against Pakistan Shaheens, making this win their first in the tournament and a confidence-boosting result ahead of the remaining fixtures.
