Bangladesh A endured another tough outing in Darwin as a batting collapse condemned them to a five-wicket defeat against Perth Scorchers on 17 August.
Despite Afif Hossain’s lone resistance, the visitors could muster only 123, a target that proved far too modest.
Opting to bat first, Bangladesh A stumbled early. Mohammad Naim (5), Saif Hassan (1), and Jisan Alam (9) departed cheaply, leaving the side reeling inside the powerplay. Mahidul Islam Ankon also fell for 6, deepening the crisis at 50 for 4.
Captain Nurul Hasan Sohan (14) and Afif attempted to rebuild, but their partnership was short-lived. Wickets continued to tumble with Tofayel Ahmed, Mrittunjoy Chowdhury, and Naim Hasan all failing to make an impact.
At the other end, Afif stood firm. The left-hander, fresh from an impressive knock against Nepal, crafted an unbeaten 42 off 49 balls with four boundaries. Thanks largely to his resilience, Bangladesh A managed to cross three figures before being bowled out for 123. Bryce Jackson claimed three wickets for Perth, while Albert Esterhuizen picked up two.
Defending a modest total, Bangladesh A made a promising start when Hasan Mahmud bowled Baxter Holt for 1 in the second over. Left-arm spinner Rakibul Hasan then struck twice, dismissing Jayden Goodwin (17) and Perth skipper Sam Fanning (3).
Naeem Hasan also chipped in, bowling Taggy Willey (31) and removing Nick Hobson cheaply. At 76 for 5, Bangladesh A sensed a chance, but Joel Curtis and Matthew Spoors steadied the innings. Curtis remained unbeaten on 44 off 34 balls, while Spoors added a brisk 24 from 16 deliveries to seal the win with 20 balls to spare.
Rakibul and Naeem finished with two wickets apiece, but the lack of scoreboard pressure proved decisive.
This defeat marked Bangladesh A’s second in three games on the tour, leaving Nurul Hasan’s side with plenty to ponder ahead of their remaining fixtures.