Australia has been outplayed Bangladesh in the first match as they failed to chase a meager target of 131. Wade won the toss this time around and decided to have a bat first. It wasn’t an easy choice as the wicket was used and Mahroof in the pitch report mentioned that 140 would be enough. Australia again faltered as the powerplay didn’t go their way.
They lost 2 wickets and then some serious repair work was done by Moises Henriques and Mithcell Marsh. The run rate which was below 5 they took that to a little over 6 before Bangladesh started bossing things around. Mitchell Marsh was the highest scorer for Australia with 45 and once he departed, Australia started falling like rank pins once again. Some last over-hitting by Mitchell Starc took Australia’s score to 121. This would have always been a cakewalk for Bangladesh.
Australia came out with intent this time around. Bangladesh survived the first 2 overs but Mitchell Starc in his second over removed Soumya Sarkar. Just when it looked like Australia will make a match out of it. Shakib Al Hasan came and hit the first 3 balls of his innings for 4. Josh Hazlewood though kept things tight from one end and didn’t let Bangladesh run away. In the last over of the powerplay, Josh Hazlewood delivered a beauty as he got rid of Mohammad Naim.
Mahedi Hasan was promoted up the order and he started slogging right from the word go. As many as 5 chances gone beginning as all balls landed in no man’s landed. He finally decided to cut loose and smacked one right over Zampa’s head for a huge six. Shakib was continuing on his merry way and then Tye produced yet another stunner and sent the dangerous-looking Shakib in the hut.
- Advertisement -
It was a poor display by Bangladesh after that as Australia got 2 wickets back to back. First, they got rid off Bangladesh captain Mahmudullah on not and then of Mahedi Hasan. Australia was right back in the game and just one more wicket could have confirmed that. Unfortunately, though that wicket never came. After a few sighters, Afif Hossain and Nurul Hasan launched a counterattack.
They scored fast and brought their team home with 8 balls to spare. Afif was the highest scorer for Bangladesh with 37. Bangladesh has surely found a new finisher in him as he has delivered more often than not. In the series against Zimbabwe too, he was instrumental and he is proving his mettle once again. For Australia Ashton Agar was the most economical one as the rest all took one wicket each but their economy was slightly on the higher side considering the chase.
This was the first time in the history of Bangladesh cricket that they have beaten Australia in 2 consecutive games. Bangladesh has tried a combination as the world cup is there in a couple of month’s time. Australia on the other hand looked as lack luster as they did against the West Indies.
