Australia wrapped up the three-match T20I series with a 7-run win over Bangladesh in the second match in Chattogram on Friday.
Batting first, Australia scored 196 for 5 in 20 overs. Bangladesh fought hard in reply but finished on 189 for 6.
Bangladesh made a strong start with the ball. The hosts reduced Australia to 44 for 3 inside the first six overs. Nasum Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman kept the pressure on the visitors.
Matt Renshaw then led Australia’s recovery. The left-hander played a fine unbeaten innings of 89 from 52 balls. He hit four fours and five sixes.
Tim David gave him good support. The hard-hitting batter scored 45 from 26 deliveries. He struck two fours and four sixes during an important stand with Renshaw.
After David’s dismissal, Renshaw continued to attack. Joel Davies also chipped in with 13 not out from eight balls. Australia scored 18 runs in the final over and finished with a strong total.
Bangladesh began the chase with positive intent. Tanzid Hasan hit 30 from only 15 balls at the top of the order. Saif Hassan followed with a valuable 42 from 33 deliveries.
Soumya Sarkar made 15 from nine balls. Parvez Hossain Emon added 36 from 22 deliveries and kept Bangladesh in the contest.
Captain Towhid Hridoy also played well. He scored 35 from 22 balls and helped keep the required rate under control for much of the innings.
However, Australia picked up wickets at key moments. Aaron Hardie and Nathan Ellis made important breakthroughs and slowed Bangladesh’s progress.
The hosts needed 18 runs from the final over. Abdul Gaffar Saqlain tried to finish the chase and remained unbeaten on 13. But Bangladesh could not find enough boundaries in the closing moments.
Bangladesh ended on 189 for 6, seven runs short of the target.
The victory gave Australia an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the series. After winning the opening match by four wickets, the visitors now have the chance to complete a clean sweep in the final T20I.
