Rubel’s five-for, Sabbir’s 47 send Bangladesh HP into semifinals

Rubel claimed 5 for 21 in four overs, restricting the hosts to 143 for 9. Sabbir then followed up his unbeaten 62 against New Zealand A with a crucial 37-ball 47, guiding Bangladesh to victory.

Chasing 144, Bangladesh lost Ariful Islam (8) and Habibur Rahman Sohan (22) early as Shamim Hossain Patowary made 11 before Sabbir and captain Irfan Shukkur (17) steadied the innings.

Sabbir fell just short of his second consecutive fifty, pulling Tom Menzies to mid-on after hitting two fours and a six. SM Meherob added 14, while Samieun Bashir Ratul made 14 off eight balls.

Abdul Gaffar Saklain eventually sealed the win with a boundary, with Bangladesh reaching the target with five wickets in hand.

Earlier, Rubel tore through the Northern Territory batting, taking two wickets in his second over and adding two more in the same over late in the innings.

Death bowling ensured the hosts were restricted below 150. Jordan Silk top-scored with 31, while Matt Hammond made 26 and Kadel McMahon 25.

The result gave Bangladesh HP five wins from six matches and 10 points, confirming their place in the Top End T20 semifinals.