Sabbir, Rubel lead Bangladesh HP XI to three-wicket win over NT Strike

Darwin, 28 August 2026: Sabbir Rahman struck a composed 47 after Md Rubel claimed five wickets as Bangladesh High Performance XI beat Northern Territory Strike by three wickets with 10 balls to spare in the Top End T20 Series on Friday.

Chasing 144 at Marrara Cricket Ground, Bangladesh reached 144-7 in 18.2 overs after restricting NT Strike to 143-9 from its 20 overs.

Bangladesh lost Ariful Islam for 10 with the score on 20 before Habibur Rahman Sohan made 22 from 18 balls. Sabbir then anchored the chase, scoring 47 from 37 deliveries, including two fours and a six, to keep Bangladesh in control despite wickets falling around him.

Shamim Hossain contributed 11 and captain Irfaan Shukkur made 17 before Bangladesh slipped from 110-4 to 123-6. Samiun Basir eased the pressure with a brisk 14 from eight balls, including a six, before falling with four runs required. Abdul Gaffar Saqlain finished unbeaten on six as Bangladesh completed the chase.

Earlier, NT Strike elected to bat but struggled against Rubel, who returned outstanding figures of 5-21 from four overs.

Jordan Silk top-scored with 31 from 23 balls, while Matt Hammond added 26 and Cadell McMahon made 25. NT Strike had recovered to 80-4 before Bangladesh’s bowlers triggered another collapse, with four wickets falling for 17 runs as the hosts slid to 97-8.

Sam Barker’s unbeaten 18 and McMahon’s late contribution helped NT Strike reach 143-9. Samiun Basir also impressed with the ball, taking 1-15 from four economical overs.

Tom Menzies and Reiley Mark took two wickets each for NT Strike, but Bangladesh remained ahead of the required rate to seal the victory in the 19th over.

Scores in brief:

Bangladesh HP XI won by three wickets with 10 balls remaining

Northern Territory Strike 143-9 in 20 overs (Jordan Silk 31, Matt Hammond 26, Cadell McMahon 25; Md Rubel 5-21, Samiun Basir 1-15)

Bangladesh High Performance XI 144-7 in 18.2 overs (Sabbir Rahman 47, Habibur Rahman Sohan 22; Tom Menzies 2-37, Reiley Mark 2-16)