After a commanding victory in their first match of the Top End Series in Australia, the Bangladesh High Performance (HP) Unit found themselves on the back foot with two consecutive losses. However, they bounced back in their fourth match, thanks to stellar performances from Zishan and Ripon, defeating the ACT Comets on Thursday and returning to winning ways.
The ACT Comets struggled to post a competitive total, managing only 124 runs for 9 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. In response, the Bangladesh HP team chased down the target with 20 balls to spare, securing a six-wicket victory.
Winning the toss on Thursday, the ACT Comets opted to bat first. Ripon Mondol provided an early breakthrough, dismissing Isam Rahman for 8 runs off 8 balls, breaking the opening partnership. The second-wicket partnership tried to stabilise the innings, adding 34 runs off 34 balls, but Rakibul Hasan struck to trap Tyler von Luin LBW, breaking the stand.
Following the departure of their openers, the Comets struggled to maintain momentum. A flurry of wickets towards the end saw them collapse from 88 to 108, losing five wickets within a span of 20 runs. They eventually finished at 124 for 9, with Mickey McNamara top-scoring with 36 runs off 26 balls.
For Bangladesh HP, Ripon was the standout bowler, claiming three wickets for 26 runs in his four overs, including 12 dot balls. Abu Hider Rony also impressed, taking two wickets for 26 runs in his four overs, with 12 dot balls. Rakibul and Rabbi chipped in with a wicket each.
Chasing a modest target, the Bangladesh HP team got off to a flying start. Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Zisan Alam put on a 51-run opening partnership in just 31 balls. Tamim was dismissed for 18 runs off 15 balls, but Zisan continued his aggressive batting, helping the team cross the 100-run mark in the 13th over. Zisan reached his half-century off 35 balls.
In the end, captain Akbar Ali and Shamim Hossain Patwari ensured victory, guiding the team home with six wickets in hand and 20 balls to spare. The red and green representatives secured a well-deserved win, showcasing their resilience and skill.
