Batting collapse denies Bangladesh HP Top End T20 final

DHhaka, 30 Aug - Bangladesh High Performance (HP) team's Top End T20 campaign ended after a dramatic one-wicket defeat to Victoria Cricket Academy in the semifinal at Garden Oval in Darwin today.

Asked to bat first, Bangladesh HP were bowled out for 101 in 17.1 overs after failing to build substantial partnerships.

The bowlers battled hard to save the team but Victoria CA managed to eke out a victory by reaching 105-9 with two balls to spare. The Bangladesh HP, however, beat Victoria in the group stage by five wickets. 

Jisan Alam top-scored for HP with 30 while Ariful Islam made 19. Abu Haider Rony and Abdul Gaffar Saqlain contributed 12 and 10 respectively, but the rest of the batting lineup failed to make an impact after being sent to bat first.

Captain Irfan Shukkur, Sabbir Rahman and Shamim Patwari were dismissed cheaply as Bangladesh lost wickets at regular intervals. Shukkur, who had struggled with the bat throughout the tournament, was dismissed for a golden duck in the semifinal.

Victoria's Will Sutherland was the standout bowler, taking four wickets, while three other bowlers claimed two wickets each.

In reply, Victoria Cricket Academy lost their first wicket with only one run on the board but kept the chase alive despite regular setbacks.

Campbell Kellaway made team-best23 as Victoria edged closer to the target. Bangladesh fought back strongly in the closing stages, with mystery spinner Mohammad Rubel taking three wickets and Shamim Patwari claiming two.

 Victoria, however, held their nerve to reach the winning target with two balls remaining and book their place in the final. Adelaide Strikers Academy beat New Zealand A by five wickets in the day's other semifinal.

The final between the Adelaide and Victoria, the two Australian teams, was held at Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin just a few hours after the semifinals. 

Victoria, however, this time couldn't hold their nerve as Adelaide won the trophy, sealing a 25-run victory in the final. BSS