Bangladesh A will begin their Top End T20 Series today when they face Pakistan Shaheens in the tournament opener at TIO Stadium, Darwin. The match starts at 3:30pm Bangladesh time and will be broadcast live on T Sports.
This year’s competition features the Nepal national side alongside four top franchises from Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL). Bangladesh are making their second appearance in the event, having debuted in 2024 under the High Performance XI banner and finishing as runners-up to the Adelaide Strikers Academy.
A stronger and more experienced squad has been assembled this year under the leadership of Nurul Hasan Sohan, with national team players such as Mohammad Naim, Nayeem Hasan and Hasan Mahmud included to improve on last season’s result.
Speaking before departure, Sohan said:
“The goal is simple: to win the trophy. It’s the aim of everyone, from the players to the team management. We believe we should win it.”
Bangladesh A have already made a winning start to their tour, defeating DIXI by 37 runs in a warm-up match.
Pakistan Shaheens, semi-finalists in last year’s edition, are also aiming for a strong start. Captain Muhammad Irfan Khan said in a PCB release:
“We want the best possible combination for the match. Bangladesh A are a strong side, so our focus is on fielding the right XI, especially as this is the first game and we want to start well.”
Following the opener, Bangladesh A will play Nepal on 16 August, Perth Scorchers on 17 august, Northern Territory Strike on 19 August, Melbourne Stars on 21 August, and Adelaide Strikers on 23 August. Both semi-finals and the final are scheduled for 24 august.
The tour will conclude with a four-day match in Darwin against South Australia from 28–31 August, serving as preparation for next year’s historic Test series Bangladesh’s first on Australian soil in two decades.
Squad: Nurul Hasan Sohan (captain), Mohammed Saif Hasan, Mohammad Naim Sheikh, Jishan Alam, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Yasir Ali Chowdhury, Afif Hossain Dhrubo, Tufayel Ahmed, Mohammad Mrittunjoy Chowdhury, Rakibul Hasan, Mahfuzur Rahman Rabbi, Naeem Hasan, Musfik Hasan, Ripon Mondol, Hasan Mahmud.