Australia won the toss and elected to bat first against Bangladesh in the second ODI of the three-match series at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Thursday, with the hosts aiming to secure a first-ever ODI series victory over the visitors.
Bangladesh enter the match with momentum after their 86-run DLS victory in the opening ODI. The result ended a 21-year wait for an ODI win over Australia and gave Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s side a 1-0 lead in the series.
The hosts made one change to their playing XI. Experienced left-hander Soumya Sarkar replaced Saif Hassan, who managed only four runs in the first match. Miraz backed Soumya’s recent form and experience before the game.
“It was an excellent first match and a great opportunity today. We need more partnerships with the bat, the bowlers are doing well, and we need to build momentum. One change: Soumya Sarkar replaces Saif Hassan. It’s unfortunate for Saif, but Soumya is batting well in the last few matches and has the experience.”
Australia also made a single change. Fast bowler Riley Meredith came into the side in place of debutant Liam Scott as the visitors looked to add extra pace to their attack.
“We will bat first. We can improve all three facets of the game, small margins, but we’re looking to improve. Riley Meredith replaces Liam Scott. Just a bit more pace for us,” Australia captain Josh Inglis said.
Bangladesh’s pace attack remains unchanged after a dominant display in the first ODI. Nahid Rana led the charge with four wickets and regularly crossed 150 km/h, while Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman provided strong support.
A win today would give Bangladesh their first ODI series triumph against Australia and an unassailable 2-0 lead before the final match.
Playing XIs
Australia: Matthew Short, Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis (c/wk), Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw, Riley Meredith, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa.
Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das (wk), Towhid Hridoy, Mosaddek Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana, Tanvir Islam.
