Bangladesh A Lose by 79 Runs in T20 Series Opener

Bangladesh A endured a heavy 79-run defeat at the hands of Pakistan Shaheens in the opening match of the Top End T20 Series, held at TIO Stadium in Darwin, Australia.

Chasing a daunting target of 228, Bangladesh A crumbled under pressure and were bowled out for 148 in 16.5 overs, following a reckless batting display. Saif Hasan was the lone standout with the bat, scoring a fluent 57 off 32 deliveries, including five boundaries and three sixes.

Opener Jisan Alam also showed promise with a brisk 33, combining with Saif for an 86-run stand off just 38 balls after the early dismissal of Naim Sheikh (5). The partnership briefly gave Bangladesh A hope before Ahmad Sadaqat dismissed Jisan, triggering a dramatic collapse.

From there, Pakistan Shaheens took full control as Bangladesh lost wickets at regular intervals. Saad Masud inflicted the most damage, returning figures of 3 for 30.

Earlier, Pakistan Shaheens posted an imposing 227 for 4 after opting to bat first. Openers Yasir Khan and Khawaja Mohammad Nafay gave their side a flying start, putting on 118 runs in just 11.1 overs. Yasir struck 62 off 40 balls, while Nafay smashed 61 off 31, both peppering the boundary with ease.

The late-innings fireworks came from Syed Abdul Samad, who blasted an unbeaten 56 off just 27 deliveries, including one four and five towering sixes. Captain Irfan Khan also chipped in with a quickfire 25 off 12 balls.

For Bangladesh A, Rakibul Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, and Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby took a wicket each, but the bowling attack failed to contain the aggressive Shaheens batting lineup.

The loss puts Bangladesh A under early pressure in the series, with improvements needed both in bowling discipline and batting composure ahead of the next fixture.