BCB HP secures semifinal spot with thrilling win over Perth
This win propels HP into the semifinals of the Top End T20 series, where they will face Pakistan 'A' tomorrow for a spot in the final.
With 36 runs needed from the last 3 overs and only 4 wickets in hand, BCB High-Performance (HP) team's chances looked slim against Perth Scorchers in Darwin.
However, an unbeaten 32 off 13 balls from Mahfuzur Rahman turned the game around, leading HP to a stunning victory with 3 balls to spare.
Chasing a modest target of 130, HP's innings got off to a shaky start. Opener Tanzid Hasan continued his poor run of form, managing just 1 run off 5 balls. His opening partner, Zishan, contributed 26 runs off 26 balls before being run out.
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The middle order also faltered, with Parvez Hossain and Ariful Islam unable to make significant contributions. Notably absent from the XI was the experienced Afif Hossain, who has struggled throughout the tournament, his highest score being just 17 in the last five matches.
Captain Akbar Ali offered some hope with a steady 35 off 33 balls, but when he was dismissed, HP still required 53 runs from 32 balls.
It was then that Mahfuzur stepped up, anchoring the chase and steering the team to a thrilling win. Shamim Hossain supported him with 16 runs off 17 balls before being dismissed in the 19th over.
HP's bowlers also played a crucial role in setting up the win, holding Perth to 130 runs. Ripon Mondol and Raqibul Hasan were the pick of the bowlers, each taking 2 wickets.
Although Abu Hider was the most expensive, conceding 30 runs in his 4 overs, he still managed to claim a wicket. All the other bowlers maintained an economy rate below 7, ensuring HP had a manageable target to chase.
