Mahmudul Hasan Joy emerged as the unexpected hero for the Bangladesh Cricket Board High Performance Unit, as the part-time off-spinner claimed a remarkable five-wicket haul, securing a narrow five-run victory over Pakistan Shaheens on the final day of the four-day match at Marrara Oval in Darwin on Monday.
Joy concluded with impressive figures of 5-21 in 13 overs, while Rejaur Rahman Raja and Hasan Murad contributed with three and two wickets respectively, as Pakistan Shaheens were bowled out for 290 in their second innings, chasing a target of 296.
Skipper Sahibzada Farhan had previously scored a brisk 70-ball 68, with Hasebullah Khan hitting a half-century and Tayyab Tahir and Omair Yousuf making scores in the 40s. However, their efforts were insufficient to prevent the HP Unit from clinching the win.
The HP Unit began the fourth day needing six wickets to win, with 160 runs left to defend.
Rejaur struck early, dismissing overnight batter Haseebullah for 51. Tahir and Yousuf then formed a crucial 65-run partnership for the sixth wicket, and the match seemed to be slipping away from the HP Unit. However, Joy, who had taken the wicket of Sahibzada the previous day, dismissed Tahir for 43 and then Omair for 45, bringing his side back into contention.
Tail-enders Khurram Shahzad (28) and Mohammad Ali (21) nearly snatched victory for Pakistan Shaheens with a 57-run stand for the eighth wicket. But Joy once again worked his magic, removing both batters in consecutive overs.
Hasan Murad then delivered the final blow, breaching the defences of Faisal Akram (one), sealing a memorable victory for the HP Unit.
Earlier, the HP Unit had posted 258 in their first innings and bowled out Pakistan Shaheens for 179, earning a 79-run lead. They then posted 216 in the second innings, setting a 296-run target.
With this win, the HP Unit managed to draw the two-match series, having lost the first four-day game by 148 runs at the same venue.
