Bangladesh are one win away from a first-ever ODI series victory over Australia as the teams meet in the second match of the three-game series at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on Thursday.
The hosts ended a 21-year wait for an ODI win over Australia on Tuesday and can now secure a fourth consecutive bilateral ODI series triumph, having already beaten the West Indies, Pakistan and New Zealand.
Bangladesh’s victory was built on an all-round display led by Mosaddek Hossain, who marked his return to international cricket after four years with 86* runs and two wickets.
Nahid Rana also impressed, claiming four wickets while consistently bowling around 145kph.
Tanzid Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto provided a solid platform before Mosaddek accelerated the innings, helping Bangladesh post 284-8.
Despite the win, Mosaddek believed Bangladesh were short of a par total. “International cricket is never going to be easy. A team like Australia is very organised and does not move away from its process,” he said.
“I think we also maintained our process, but we were around 20 runs short. We felt it was a 300 to 320-run wicket.”
Mosaddek urged his teammates to maintain the same approach as they look to seal the series. “We have a very good chance of winning the series. It is possible if we maintain our process. Everyone has to believe,” he said.
Australia, meanwhile, were left searching for answers after a disappointing display in the opener. Their fielding proved costly as Mosaddek was dropped multiple times, while Shanto also received a reprieve.
“Full credit to Bangladesh and the way they played,” wicketkeeper Alex Carey said. “It wasn’t a great start, but we still have two games to go and hopefully we can respond strongly.”
