Late collapse hands Bangladesh HP first defeat in Top End T20 Series

The high-flying Bangladesh High Performance team suffered their first defeat of the Top End T20 Series, falling to the Adelaide Strikers Academy by 21 runs at Darwin's Marrara Cricket Ground on Tuesday.

Chasing a target of 165, Bangladesh appeared well-positioned at 127 for four, anchored by Ariful Islam’s half-century. However, a dramatic late-order collapse saw them lose five wickets for just three runs, restricting the side to 143 for nine in their allotted 20 overs.

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The slide began in the 18th over when Shamim Hossain departed for a run-a-ball 18. Left-arm pacer Lachlan Bangs then wreaked havoc, dismissing Abdul Gaffar Saqlain for a duck and removing Ariful -- who top-scored with 66 off 54 balls -- in the exact same over. Bangs finished with stellar figures of 4 for 29.

Henry Thornton compounded the misery in the 19th over by removing Abu Hider Rony and Rakibul Hasan, effectively extinguishing Bangladesh’s hopes of a fourth consecutive successful chase.

Despite Tuesday’s stumble, Bangladesh HP remain atop the points table with six points from four matches, having won their opening three fixtures.

Earlier, after being sent in to bat, the Adelaide Strikers Academy posted 164 for nine. Thomas Kelly (38), Henry Hunt (35), and Noah McFadyen (31) all made vital contributions to the total.

Saqlain was the standout bowler for Bangladesh, claiming 4 for 21 in his four overs. Off-spinner Md Rubel also continued his impressive run, taking 3 for 30. Rubel currently leads the tournament's bowling charts with a remarkable 14 wickets in just four matches.

Bangladesh HP will look to bounce back when they face New Zealand A at the same venue on Thursday.