Following a bruising defeat in their tournament opener, Bangladesh A return to action on Saturday with a point to prove — and Nepal standing in their way. The fixture, set under lights at Marrara Cricket Ground No. 2 in Darwin, promises to be a test of character for a side still reeling from a dramatic batting collapse. The match is scheduled to begin at 3:30 PM Bangladesh Standard Time.
Bangladesh’s campaign began with promise but unravelled spectacularly, losing seven wickets for just 33 runs in the latter half of their chase. Despite a fluent fifty from Saif Hassan and a brief flourish from skipper Nurul Hasan Sohan, the side folded well short of a daunting target. The bowling unit, too, struggled to contain an aggressive top order, conceding over 220 runs.
Nepal, meanwhile, arrive with momentum and a reputation for punching above their weight. Their recent outings have shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in the middle order and with the ball in hand. On Australian pitches, their adaptability and energy could pose a genuine threat to a Bangladesh side still searching for rhythm.
Key areas of focus for Bangladesh will be middle-order stability and death-over discipline. The top order has shown intent, but the lack of composure in pressure moments remains a concern. Nepal, on the other hand, will look to exploit any early nerves and build pressure through tight fielding and disciplined spin.
With both sides eyeing crucial points in the group stage, Saturday’s encounter could shape the trajectory of their tournament. For Bangladesh, it’s not just about bouncing back — it’s about restoring belief.
