Sports Reporter :
Bangladesh registered an easy five-wicket victory over Australia in their second Twenty20 International (T20I) match at the flood-lit Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in the city’s Mirpur on Wednesday. Bangladesh beat Australia by 23 runs in the first T20I at the same venue on Tuesday.
Bangladesh take now 2-0 lead in the five-match T20I series.
Electing to bat first, Australia scored 121 for the loss of seven wickets in the stipulated 20 overs.
In reply, Bangladesh sailed home making 123 for the loss of five wickets with eight balls to spare.
Bangladesh had an unhappy start as opener Soumya Sarkar (0) was bowled out by Mitchell Starc when the hosts’ score was just nine.
Mohammad Naim (9) was bowled out by Josh Hazlewood when the home side’s total was 21 for the loss of two wickets.
After Naim’s departure, Shakib Al Hasan and Mahedi Hasan mended the innings contributing together 37 runs in the third-wicket stand before Shakib was bowled out by Andrew Tye when the hosts’ score was 58 for the loss of three wickets.
Shakib scored 26 from 17 balls including four fours.
Third-down Mahmudullah Riyad (0) was bowled out by Ashton Agar when Bangladesh’s total was 59 for the loss of four wickets.
Second-down Mahedi Hasan (23) was stumped out by Mathew Wade off Adam Zampa when Bangladesh’s score was 67 for the loss of five wickets.
But Afif Hossain and Nurul Hasan Sohan salvaged Bangladesh team and guided them to victory contributing together 56 runs for the unbroken fifth wicket partnership.
Afif remained unbeaten with 37. His 31-ball innings was decorated with five fours and a sixer. Afif was adjudged the Man of the Match for his outstanding innings.
Sohan remained unbeaten with 22. His 21-ball innings
had three fours. Agar, Hazlewood, Zampa, Tye and Starc took one wicket apiece.
Right-arm spinner Mahedi Hasan gave his team early breakthrough as opener Alex Carey (11) was caught at the mid-on by Nasum Ahmed off Mahedi Hasan when Australia’s total was 13.
Left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman bowled out opener Josh Philippe for 10 when the visitors’ score was 31 for the loss of two wickets.
One-down Mitchell Marsh and Moises Henriques built a worthy partnership. They put on together 57 runs for the third wicket partnership before Henriques was bowled out by Shakib Al Hasan when the Aussies’ total was 88 for the loss of three wickets.
Henriques made 30 from 25 balls featuring three fours and a sixer.
After Henriques’ dismissal, Australia failed to make any notable partnership against the superb bowling attack of Bangladesh.
Marsh could stay at the crease for a short period before he was caught behind by wicketkeeper Nurul Hasan Sohan off Shoriful Islam when the touring side’s score was 99 for the loss of four wickets.
Marsh hit a respectable 45. His 42-ball innings saw five fours.
Third-down Mathew Wade (4) was bowled out by Mustafizur Rahman when the tourists’ score was 103 for the loss of five wickets.
After Wade’s departure, Ashton Agar (0) was caught behind by Nurul Hasan Sohan off Mustafizur Rahman when the visitors’ total was 103 for the loss of six wickets.
Number-6 batsman Ashton Turner (3) was caught at the cover by Mahmudullah Riyad off Shoriful Islam when the tourists’ score was 106 for the loss of seven wickets.
Mitchell Starc remained unbeaten with 13 runs.
Mustafizur Rahman grabbed three wickets in the space of 23 runs, while Shoriful Islam bagged two wickets at the cost of 27 runs.
Mahedi Hasan and Shakib Al Hasan took one wicket each for 12 and 22 runs respectively.
