Bangladesh A’s campaign in the Top End T20 Series ended in disappointment after a three-wicket defeat to Melbourne Stars Academy, confirming their exit from the tournament and extinguishing any hopes of a semi-final appearance.
Batting first, Bangladesh A posted 156 for eight in their allotted 20 overs. Openers Naim Sheikh and Jisan Alam gave the innings a steady start with a 27-run partnership. Jisan fell for 13 from 13 balls, bringing Saif Hassan to the crease, who struck a clean six while Naim played more cautiously. The team reached 43 for one at the end of the powerplay.
Momentum was soon lost as Naim fell for 19 from 21 deliveries, followed by Afif Hossain for a golden duck. Captain Nurul Hasan Sohan and Saif Hassan tried to rebuild, both looking set for half-centuries, but Sohan was dismissed for 33 from 27 balls, while Saif fell short of a fifty, scoring 45 off 35.
The lower order struggled under pressure, though Yasir Ali Chowdhury provided late resistance, scoring 29 from 17 balls to push the total past 150 before being dismissed in the final over.
In response, Melbourne Stars got off to a strong start, with Thomas Rogers and Sam Harper adding 34 for the opening wicket. Rogers made 11 from 12 before falling, while Harper scored 29 off 18. Campbell Kellaway also fell cheaply for eight from seven. Rakibul Hasan removed both Harper and Kellaway, and Hasan Mahmud dismissed Rogers.
The Bangladesh bowlers continued to apply pressure, taking wickets at regular intervals. Saif Hassan dismissed Liam Blackford for 12, Tofayel Ahmed removed Blake MacDonald for five, and Mushfik Hasan sent back Hamish McKenzie for six. At 81 for five, Melbourne were under significant pressure.
However, Jonathan Merlo’s 61 from 38 balls swung the match in Melbourne’s favour. He was eventually dismissed by Hasan Mahmud, but Christian Howe remained unbeaten on 15 from 15 to guide the Stars home with four balls to spare.
For Bangladesh A, Rakibul Hasan and Hasan Mahmud claimed two wickets each, while Tofayel Ahmed, Saif Hassan and Mushfik Hasan picked up one wicket apiece.
The three-wicket loss marked the end of Bangladesh A’s Top End T20 Series campaign.