Bangladesh A delivered a strong all-round performance to defeat Northern Territory Strike by 22 runs in their Top End T20 clash on Tuesday.

Sent in to bat, Bangladesh A compiled a challenging 172-4 while Afif Hossain was the top scorer for the side, scoring 41 not out off 40 balls. Other batters also maintained a good strike rate, helping Bangladesh A reach a respectable total.

After being sent in to bat, Bangladesh got a whirlwind start through openers Naim Sheikh and Jishan Alam, who put on 55 runs in just 3.3 overs. Naim Sheikh, who scored 25 off 11 balls, was the first to be dismissed, followed by Saif Hasan, who was out for a single-digit score. The situation worsened when Jishan was dismissed for 30 off 23 balls.

Afif then held one end with a patient innings, while skipper Nurul Hasan Sohan provided the late impetus, hitting 35 from 23 balls with five fours and a six. Yasir Ali Chowdhury provided the finishing touch with an unbeaten 22 off 13 balls, including two fours and a six.

Tom Menzis returned figures of 2-43 for Northern Territory.

Northern Territory Strike’s run chase got off to a shaky start, slipping to 16 for 2 after openers D’Arcy Short (7) and Jake Weatherald (4) fell cheaply. Connor Carroll provided some resistance with a brisk 43 off 30 balls, striking five boundaries and two sixes to keep the innings alive. Jordan Silk anchored the middle overs with a composed 48 from 41 deliveries, offering hope of a recovery.

The pair stitched together a promising stand, but Bangladesh A consistently picked up wickets to derail the momentum. Hasan Mahmud led the bowling attack with figures of 2 for 23, while Rakibul Hasan matched him with 2 for 22. Tofael Ahmed also chipped in effectively, claiming 2 for 26. Ripon Mondol played a crucial role by removing the dangerous Short early in the innings.

Although Tom Andrews contributed 18 and Carroll showed intent, the innings lost steam after Silk’s dismissal at 114 for 5. The lower order struggled to accelerate in the final overs, and the Strike eventually closed on 150 for 7 from their 20 overs. Cadell McMahon remained unbeaten on 10, but the target proved just out of reach. �”BSS