Bangladesh ‘A’ posted a competitive total of 156 for 8 after being sent in to bat against Melbourne Stars Academy in their Top End T20 clash at Marrara Cricket Ground. The innings was given late impetus by Yasir Ali Chowdhury, whose 29 off 17 balls, including two fours and two sixes, ensured the side crossed the 150 mark.
Earlier, openers Naim Sheikh and Jishan Alam made a steady start, putting on 27 runs. Jishan was the first to go, scoring 13 from 13 balls. Naim, criticised for his strike rate in previous matches, once again struggled for fluency, managing 19 from 21 deliveries.
At number three, Saif Hasan looked promising, striking a six and compiling 45 from 35 balls, but he too failed to accelerate after settling. Captain Nurul Hasan Sohan contributed 33 from 27, steadying the innings alongside Saif before both departed with the team on 113.
In-form batter Afif Hossain fell for a golden duck, while Rakibul Hasan, promoted up the order, made only 4. That left Bangladesh wobbling in the middle overs, losing wickets in quick succession.
It was Yasir’s counter-attacking cameo that lifted the team from pressure in the final overs. Despite a brief time needed to settle, he played aggressively to rescue Bangladesh ‘A’ and guide them beyond 150.
At the close of their 20 overs, Bangladesh ‘A’ had reached 156 for 8, a fighting total to keep their hopes alive in the race for the semi-finals.
