Shamim’s unbeaten fifty seals third straight win for Bangladesh HP

Top End T20
Shamim Hossain hits unbeaten fifty
Shamim Hossain hits unbeaten fifty
Online Desk
Online Desk
Bangladesh High Performance (HP) secured their third consecutive victory in the tournament, beating Victoria Academy XI by five wickets with 16 balls to spare at Marrara Oval in Darwin.

Chasing 132, Bangladesh were in early trouble at 37/4 after Habibur Rahman Sohan, Ariful Islam, Jishan Alam and Sabbir Rahman fell cheaply.

But captain Irfan Shukkur and Shamim Hossain Patowary steadied the innings with an 83-run partnership.

Irfan made 43 off 32 balls before falling with 12 runs still needed, but Shamim completed an unbeaten 51 off 33 balls, hitting three sixes and two fours.

Abdul Gaffar Saklain remained unbeaten on six as Bangladesh reached 132/5 with 16 balls remaining.

Earlier, Victoria Academy XI were bowled out for 131 after being sent in to bat. Mohammad Rubel led Bangladesh's attack with four wickets, while Rakibul Hasan took three. Ripon Mondal and Saklain claimed one wicket apiece.

Will Sutherland made 30 off 25 balls, while captain Sam Harper top-scored with 49 off 36, including six fours and a six, but Victoria lost wickets regularly after his dismissal in the final over.