Bangladesh HP’s winning run in the Top End T20 Series came to an end as Adelaide Academy secured a 21-run victory in Darwin. After winning their opening three matches, Bangladesh were unable to chase down a target of 165, being bowled out for 143 at Marrara Oval.
The defeat was shaped by a dramatic collapse towards the end of the innings. Bangladesh lost five wickets within just eight deliveries, turning what had remained a competitive chase into a comfortable victory for Adelaide Academy.
Ariful Islam was the standout performer for Bangladesh with the bat. He scored a determined 66, holding one end together as wickets continued to fall around him. Despite his efforts, he could not find enough support to take his side over the line.
Chasing 165, Bangladesh suffered an immediate setback when Jisan Alam was dismissed with the very first delivery of the innings. The pressure increased as further wickets fell at regular intervals, leaving Ariful to shoulder much of the responsibility.
Sabbir Rahman made just five from eight deliveries, while captain Irfan Shukkur was dismissed for five off seven balls. Bangladesh had lost three wickets within a span of only 17 runs and were struggling to establish a partnership.
Shamim Hossain Patwari then joined Ariful and offered some resistance. The pair attempted to rebuild the innings, but their partnership ended when Shamim was dismissed for 18 from 18 deliveries. His departure triggered another collapse, with Bangladesh losing their final five wickets in the space of only eight balls.
The innings eventually ended at 143, leaving Adelaide Academy with a 21-run victory and bringing Bangladesh HP’s three-match winning streak to an end.
Earlier, Adelaide Academy had been put into bat after losing the toss. Their opening pair added 34 runs before Bangladesh made their first breakthrough. Mystery spinner Rubel bowled Connor Carroll in the fourth over to break the partnership.
Abu Hider Rony struck in the following over, bowling Jersis Wadia and giving Bangladesh further control. Adelaide Academy continued to lose wickets under pressure from the Bangladesh attack, but Henry Hunt provided stability at one end.
Hunt scored 35 from 29 deliveries, anchoring the innings as wickets fell around him. Adelaide Academy were unable to produce another substantial individual contribution in the closing stages and finished their innings on 164.
Abdul Gaffar Saklain was Bangladesh HP’s leading bowler, claiming four wickets. Rubel took three, while Abu Hider Rony and Rakibul collected one wicket apiece.
For Bangladesh HP, the result represents their first setback after three consecutive victories in the series. Their bowlers had restricted Adelaide Academy to a modest total by T20 standards, but the batting collapse proved decisive. Ariful’s 66 kept the chase alive for much of the innings; however, the lack of sustained partnerships and the late cluster of wickets ultimately left Bangladesh well short of the target.