Bangladesh High Performance defeated Northern Territory Strike by three wickets in the ongoing Top End T20 series in Darwin, Australia, securing a semifinal place. Off-spinner Mohammad Rubel delivered the decisive bowling performance, taking five wickets for 21 runs as Northern Territory finished on 143 for nine in 20 overs.

Bangladesh HP chased the target of 144 with 10 balls remaining. Sabbir Rahman top-scored with 47 from 37 balls, including two boundaries and a six, before Samiyun Bashir struck 17 from eight balls late in the innings. Abdul Gaffar Saklain hit the boundary that sealed the win.

The result was Bangladesh HP’s second successive victory and their fifth win in six matches, taking them to the top of the table with 10 points. Rubel has now claimed 20 wickets in six matches in the tournament. For Northern Territory, Jordan Silk made 31, Matt Hammond scored 26 and Kale McMahon contributed 25. Bangladesh HP will play their semifinal at the same venue the day after tomorrow.