Bangladesh HP beat Nepal by 9 wickets in Darwin Top End T20

Sports Reporter

Bangladesh High Performance XI made a dominant start to the Top End T20 Series 2026, beating Nepal by nine wickets in their opening match at Marrara Oval in Darwin on Saturday.

Spinner Md Rubel starred with the ball, claiming four wickets for 18 runs in four overs, while Rohanat Doullah Borson, Ripon Mondol and Samiun Basir took one wicket apiece as Bangladesh restricted Nepal to 99-9 in 20 overs after opting to bowl.

Nepal, however, were 13 for five in four overs. Opener Kushal Bhurtel was the lone warrior for his side, scoring 46 off 40 balls.

In reply, Bangladesh lost Habibur Rahman Sohan for seven early on, but Jishan Alam then produced a blistering unbeaten 52 off just 29 balls, including three fours and four sixes.

Ariful Islam at one down remained unbeaten on 34 off 27 balls as they raced to 101-1 in just 10.2 overs to complete a comprehensive victory.

Bangladesh High Performance XI will next face Hobart Hurricanes Academy at the same venue on Sunday.