Published: 11:08 PM, 30 August 2026
Victoria CA edge Bangladesh HP in Top End T20
With the defeat, Bangladesh HP's campaign has come to an end in the tournament despite an encouraging run through the competition. Photo: Collected
Bangladesh High Performance team ended their Top End T20 Series with a painful one-wicket defeat against Victoria CA XI in the first semi-final at the Gardens Oval in Australia on Sunday.
With the defeat, Bangladesh HP's campaign has come to an end in the tournament despite an encouraging run through the competition.
After being put to bat first, Bangladesh were dismissed for 101. In response Victoria chased down their goal with two balls to spare.
Despite a good start, the HP team wobbled after the powerplay and couldn't regain control as they went from 49-2 to 70-7 in a space of five overs.
Jishan Alam top-scored with 30 off 20, including three fours and a six, while Ariful Islam (19), Abu Hider (12) and Abdul Gaffar Saqlain (10), were the only batters to reach double figures.
Will Sutherland claimed four wickets while Harry Hoekstra, Sam Elliot and Todd Murphy each picked up two wickets.
Chasing the total proved competitive on a difficult surface, with HP team bowlers building pressure early.
Md Rubel delivered his brilliance one last time in the tournament, taking 3-15 in his four overs after Shamim Hossain picked up two to reduce the hosts to 81-6.
Liam Blackford continued rotating strike until Rakibul Hasan dismissed Harry in the penultimate over and Sabbir’s runout offered a tense climax; however, Victoria held their nerve to secure the match and reach the final.
Liam scored an unbeaten 19 and Cambell Kellay made 23 off 28 for Victoria.
Earlier, Veteran Sabbir Rahman smashed a commanding 47 while mystery spinner Md Rubel picked up five wickets as Bangladesh High Performance XI defeated Northern Territory Strike by three wickets in the Top End T20 Series at Marrara Cricket Ground on Friday.
With the win, Bangladesh secured the semifinal spot after claiming five wins from six matches with 10 points.
Chasing 144, Bangladesh reached 144-7 in 18.2 overs after restricting NT Strike to 143-9 from its 20 overs.
Bangladesh lost Ariful Islam for 10 with the score on 20 before Habibur Rahman Sohan made 22 from 18 balls. Sabbir then anchored the chase, scoring 47 from 37 deliveries, including two fours and a six, to keep Bangladesh in control despite wickets falling around him.
Shamim Hossain contributed 11 and captain Irfaan Shukkur made 17 before Bangladesh slipped from 110-4 to 123-6. Samiun Basir eased the pressure with a brisk 14 from eight balls, including a six, before falling with four runs required. Abdul Gaffar Saqlain finished unbeaten on six as Bangladesh completed the chase.
Earlier, NT Strike elected to bat but struggled against Rubel, who returned outstanding figures of 5-21 from four overs.
Jordan Silk top-scored with 31 from 23 balls, while Matt Hammond added 26 and Cadell McMahon made 25. NT Strike had recovered to 80-4 before Bangladesh’s bowlers triggered another collapse, with four wickets falling for 17 runs as the hosts slid to 97-8.
Sam Barker’s unbeaten 18 and McMahon’s late contribution helped NT Strike reach 143-9. Samiun Basir also impressed with the ball, taking 1-15 from four economical overs.
Tom Menzies and Reiley Mark took two wickets each for NT Strike, but Bangladesh remained ahead of the required rate to seal the victory in the 19th over.
