Bangladesh A team captain Nurul Hasan Sohan has made it clear that his side’s goal in the upcoming Top End T20 Series 2025 in Darwin is to reach the final and lift the trophy, rather than focusing solely on gaining experience.
Speaking at a pre-departure press conference at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on Wednesday, the wicketkeeper-batter said: “I feel that learning is an ongoing process, I don’t particularly believe in saying ‘we will learn’ as if it’s separate. We are always learning. Learning is part of life. Since we are going to play a tournament, I think the main goal should be to reach the final.”
“And every player, along with the team management, has the same aim, to win the trophy,” he added.
The second-string Bangladesh side is scheduled to depart Dhaka on Thursday evening ahead of a packed tournament in Australia, where they will face teams including Pakistan A, Nepal, and several Big Bash League outfits such as the Perth Scorchers and Melbourne Stars.
“There are quite a few good teams. Pakistan A is there; Nepal’s national team is there. Once we get there, we will have the chance to study the teams. I think all the teams are good, and it will be a competitive tournament. It’s an opportunity to perform well in those conditions,” said Sohan.
Following the T20 competition, Bangladesh A will also play a four-day red-ball match against South Australia from 28–31 August in Darwin. Sohan believes this match will serve as a valuable opportunity for players preparing for next year’s Test series.
“Since we have Test matches coming up next year, it’s also a good opportunity for those who will play Tests. But for now, I’m focused on T20 since we are about to play a major tournament. The four-day team hasn’t gone yet either. For whoever plays, it’s a big opportunity,” he said.
Bangladesh A squad:
Nurul Hasan Sohan (Captain), Saif Hasan, Mohammad Naim, Jishan Alam, Mahidul Islam, Yasir Ali, Afif Hossain, Tufayel Ahmed, Mrittunjoy Chowdhury, Rakibul Hasan, Mahfuzur Rahman Rabbi, Naeem Hasan, Musfik Hasan, Ripon Mondol, Hasan Mahmud.
Top End T20 Series 2025 – Bangladesh A fixtures:
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14 Aug: vs Pakistan A, TIO Stadium, Darwin
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16 Aug: vs Nepal, DXC Arena, Darwin
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17 Aug: vs Perth Scorchers, TIO Stadium, Darwin
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19 Aug: vs Northern Territory Strike, DXC Arena, Darwin
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21 Aug: vs Melbourne Stars, DXC Arena, Darwin
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23 Aug: vs Adelaide Strikers, DXC Arena, Darwin
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24 Aug: Semifinals & Final, DXC Arena, Darwin