Bangladesh High Performance suffered their first defeat of the Top End T20 Series after three successive victories, losing to Adelaide Academy by 21 runs at Marrara Oval in Darwin.
Chasing a target of 165, Bangladesh were bowled out for 143, with the innings collapsing dramatically towards the end. The team lost five wickets within just eight balls, bringing an abrupt end to what had been a competitive chase.
Ariful Islam was the standout batter for Bangladesh, scoring 66 in a determined effort to keep his side in contention. However, he received little sustained support from the other end, and his innings ultimately proved insufficient to take Bangladesh over the line.
The chase began disastrously when Jisan Alam was dismissed from the very first delivery. Bangladesh struggled to build momentum thereafter, losing wickets at regular intervals.
Sabbir Rahman made only five from eight deliveries before departing, while captain Irfan Shukkur also fell cheaply, scoring five from seven balls. The loss of three wickets for just 17 runs left Bangladesh under considerable pressure early in the chase.
Ariful attempted to steady the innings and found some support from Shamim Hossain Patwari. The pair put together a useful partnership, but it did not develop into a match-changing stand. Shamim scored 18 from 18 balls before being dismissed, triggering another collapse.
Bangladesh then lost their final five wickets in the space of only eight deliveries. With Ariful unable to carry the innings on his own, the HP side were eventually dismissed for 143, falling 21 runs short of Adelaide Academy’s total.
Earlier, Adelaide Academy had been asked to bat first after losing the toss. Their opening pair added 34 runs before Bangladesh struck twice in quick succession.
Mystery spinner Rubel broke the opening partnership in the fourth over by bowling Connor Carroll. Abu Hider Rony then dismissed Jersis Wadia in the following over, also clean bowled, giving Bangladesh early control.
The pressure from Bangladesh’s bowlers continued as Adelaide Academy lost wickets at regular intervals. Henry Hunt, however, held the innings together with a composed 35 from 29 deliveries. His contribution proved important in ensuring that Adelaide Academy had a competitive total despite losing wickets around him.
The Australian side eventually finished on 164, unable to produce a substantial late-innings contribution from their remaining batters.
Bangladesh’s bowling attack had several notable performers. Abdul Gaffar Saklain claimed four wickets, while Rubel took three. Abu Hider Rony and Rakibul added one wicket each.
The result brought an end to Bangladesh HP’s unbeaten start to the series. Their three consecutive wins had provided an encouraging opening, but the defeat highlighted the importance of batting depth and partnerships during a successful run chase.
Ariful’s 66 showed that Bangladesh had the ability to compete deep into the innings, but the lack of support at the other end ultimately proved decisive. The dramatic late collapse also turned a chase that remained within reach into a convincing victory for Adelaide Academy.
