BD ‘A’ bounce back in Top End series as they beat Nepal

Agency :

Despite a spirited fight from Nepal, Nurul Hasan Sohan’s Bangladesh ‘A’ side clinched a 32-run win in the Top End T20 series. Earlier, Sohan’s men had opened the tournament with a defeat against Pakistan ‘A’.

On Saturday in Darwin, Northern Australia, Bangladesh ‘A’ opted to bat first after winning the toss and got off to a flying start. However, the national team’s shadow squad eventually posted 186 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs.

Opener Naim Sheikh scored 25 runs off 18 balls, hitting two fours and a six, while fellow opener Jisan Alam top-scored with 73 off 46 balls, featuring five fours and five sixes.

Coming in at number four, Afif Hossain played a blazing knock of 48 runs off just 23 balls, striking nine boundaries. However, late-order contributions from Sohan (11 off 5) and Mahidul Ankon (7 off 7) fell short of expectations in the slog overs.

In reply, Nepal – fielding their full national side – stumbled to 86 for 6, but recovered to close at 154 for 7. Veteran middle-order batter Kushal Malla led the fightback with 59 off 47 balls, including six fours and a six. Opener Aasif Sheikh chipped in with 28 off 24 balls.

For Bangladesh ‘A’, left-arm spinner Rakibul Hasan starred with 3 wickets for just 18 runs in his 4 overs. Pacer Hasan Mahmud took 2 for 36, while Ripon and Tofael picked up one wicket each. For Nepal, leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane bowled economically with 1 for 21 in 4 overs, and pacer Rijhan Dhakal claimed 2 wickets for 34 runs in 3 overs.