Australia secured a 2-0 victory in the three-match T20I series by defeating Bangladesh by seven runs in the second match held in Chottagram. Matt Renshaw’s outstanding unbeaten 89 runs off 52 balls powered Australia to a total of 196/5 in 20 overs. Bangladesh managed 189/6 in response.
The series finale is set for Sunday at the same venue. Bangladesh had a strong start in their chase, reaching 103 runs in 10 overs, supported by Tanzid Hasan’s quick 30 off 15 balls and Saif Hassan’s 42 off 33 balls. Despite a valiant effort from Parvez Hossain Emon (36 off 22 balls) and Tawhid Hridoy’s late hitting (35 off 22 balls), Bangladesh fell short.
Aaron Hardie, with two wickets despite conceding 40 runs in four overs, was the standout bowler for Australia. Renshaw’s exceptional performance and Tim David’s quick 45 propelled Australia to their highest T20I total against Bangladesh.
Nasum Ahmed was the most effective bowler for Bangladesh, taking 2-27 in four overs. Despite a solid start by Bangladesh’s bowlers, Renshaw and David’s partnership turned the game in Australia’s favor. Australia’s decision to bat first paid off handsomely as they set a commanding total.
Australia skipper Mitchell Marsh won the toss and chose to bat first. Both teams made changes to their lineups, with Aaron Hardie coming in for Xavier Bartlett in Australia’s XI, and Nahid Rana and Nasum Ahmed replacing Shoriful Islam and Mahedi Hasan for Bangladesh.
The series stands at 1-0 in Australia’s favor after Bangladesh’s defeat in the opening T20I. The next match promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the series.
**Teams:**
**Bangladesh XI:** Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Parvez Emon (wk), Tawhid Hridoy (capt), Shamim Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Rishad Hossain, Nahid Rana, Abdul Gaffar Saqlain, Mustafizur Rahman.
**Australia XI:** Mitchell Marsh (capt), Josh Inglis (wk), Cooper Connolly, Matt Renshaw, Tim David, Nikhil Chaudhary, Joel Davies, Aaron Hardie, Nathan Ellis, Spencer Johnson, Adam Zampa.
