Something that had never happened before in Australia’s 55-year ODI history unfolded at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Thursday. After winning the toss and opting to bat in the second ODI of the three-match series, Australia lost three wickets without scoring a run.
Half-centuries from Marnus Labuschagne and Xavier Bartlett helped the visitors recover, but Bangladesh’s pace attack kept them under constant pressure. Before rain interrupted play, Australia had reached 192 for 8 in 42 overs.
Following a delay of two hours and 39 minutes, the target was revised under the Duckworth-Lewis method, leaving Bangladesh needing 192 runs from 41 overs to seal the series. A victory would secure Bangladesh’s first-ever ODI series win over Australia. Under the revised conditions, the powerplay was reduced to the first eight overs and each bowler could bowl a maximum of nine overs.
Earlier, Bangladesh made a dream start with the ball. Taskin Ahmed struck in the fourth ball of the innings, clean bowled Matthew Short with an inswinger, just as he had done in the previous match.
Mustafizur Rahman then ripped through the top order in the second over. Cooper Connolly edged the first ball of the over to Litton Das behind the stumps, while Matt Renshaw fell in identical fashion off the last delivery. Mustafizur claimed his third wicket when Alex Carey was caught by captain Najmul Hossain Shanto at point for 13.
Australia slipped to 25 for 4 before Josh Inglis attempted a counterattack. The right-hander made 38 but was caught by Tanzid Hasan at cover off Tanvir Islam. Cameron Green followed soon after, offering a return catch to Tanvir.
With Australia struggling at 89 for 6, Labuschagne and Bartlett launched a recovery through a seventh-wicket stand of 103 runs. The partnership finally ended when Taskin bowled Bartlett for 52. The Bangladesh pacer struck again with the very next delivery, clean bowling Adam Zampa.
Rain halted play before the innings could be completed, leaving Labuschagne unbeaten on 55. Taskin and Mustafizur finished with three wickets each, while left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam claimed two.
