DHAKA, Aug 16, 2024 (BSS) - Bangladesh High Performance (HP) team's aspiration to move to the semifinal in the Top End T20 series in Australia was left in tatters after their three-wicket defeat to Pakistan Shaheens in their fifth game at Darwin today.

Bangladesh's last game against Perth Scorchers tomorrow (Saturday) now turned out to be a 'do or die' game for them. But not only a victory could confirm their semifinal as they would have to rely on the outcomes of other matches.

The reckless batting was responsible for their third defeat in fifth game as they put up just 141-5 after being asked to bat first. While the bowlers made the task difficult for Shaheens, they still overcame the target, reaching 143-7 in 18.5 overs.

Bangladesh HP's rot began with the dismissal of in form opener Jishan Alam after Shaheens fast bowler Abbas Afridi gave him a first-ball-duck.

Tanzid Hasan Tamim slowed down the things further by batting painstakingly and even though Parvez Hossain Emon charged fluently, it was not enough to put pressure on Pakistani side.

Mubasshir Khan finally got rid of Tanzid after he made 18 off 19 before Fasial Akram who wrecked havoc on Bangladesh innings by claiming 3-10 in four overs, appeared in the stage.

Akram not only slowed down HP further but also took wickets in regular interval to prevent them from being attacking in the crucial stage of the game.

However, Shamim Patwari and Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby saved HP from ultimate blushed by scoring quickly in the death overs.

After a slow start, they paced the innings towards the end to help the side get past 140 plus score. Patwari hit five fours for his unbeaten 44 off 38 while Mahfuzur struck five fours and one six for his 32 ball-41 not out.

A small, but crucial contributions from the batters saw Shaheens overhaul the target from a dire strait. Opener and captain Mohammad Haris lifted the side with 18 ball-32, that included two fours and three sixes. As he gave the much-needed pace, it took off the pressure of asking run rate.

Omair Bin Yousuf bolstered the side further with 37 off 29 as the innings was crucial to sail the side home despite late hiccup.