An impressive bowling performance set the stage and Australia were always well ahead amid the rain
Australia 100 for 2 (Warner 53*) defeated Bangladesh 140 for 8 (Shanto 41, Hridoy 40, Cummins 3-29) by 28 runs (DLS method).
Adam Zampa dominated Bangladesh’s middle overs, followed by Pat Cummins claiming a hat-trick at the death, ensuring a strong start for Australia in the Super Eight.
Despite a 58-run second-wicket stand between Litton Das and Najmul Hossain Shanto, Bangladesh struggled to build any momentum with the bat.
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Bangladesh managed only 140 for 8 from their 20 overs, a challenging total to defend even with the slow, spin-friendly pitch at North Sound.
David Warner and Travis Head blasted 65 runs for Australia in the first 6.5 overs. Despite Bangladesh’s spinners making an impact, Australia remained comfortably ahead. They were 28 runs ahead when rain interrupted play, with showers blowing through all evening.
Zampa’s Intervention
At 57 for 1 after eight overs, with two set batters, Bangladesh seemed poised to accelerate. However, they faced Adam Zampa, one of the most astute middle-overs operators. Zampa bowled a fast arm ball that bowled Litton Das when he missed a sweep shot. Later, a fast leg break from Zampa trapped Shanto, Bangladesh’s top scorer, in front of the stumps. Zampa finished with impressive figures of 2 for 24 from his four overs.
Cummins’ Hat-Trick
In the last three overs, Bangladesh managed only 23 runs, largely due to Cummins’ effective wicket-taking. His first two wickets were from back-of-a-length deliveries outside off: Mahmudullah bottom-edged one onto his stumps trying to pull, and Mahedi Hasan’s ramp attempt resulted in a catch to deep third. Cummins completed his hat-trick with a slower, length ball to Towhid Hridoy, who scooped it to short fine leg.
This was Australia’s fourth T20I hat-trick, and only their second in a World Cup, the first being Brett Lee’s in 2007 against Bangladesh.
Warner and Head Set the Pace
Australia’s openers quickly asserted their dominance. Warner hit a reverse sweep for four off the second ball of the innings bowled by Mahedi Hasan. In the fourth over, Taskin Ahmed’s bowling was dispatched for straight boundaries, and Head hit a short delivery into the stands. They amassed 59 runs in the powerplay. Although legspinner Rishad Hossain claimed two wickets in his first two overs, Warner and Head had already put Australia well ahead of the required rate.
