Press Trust of India
Bangalore, March 21: Title favourites Australia survived a middle-order collapse to beat Bangladesh by three wickets in their Group 2 World Cup T20 match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium here Monday.
After Bangladesh had posted a competitive 156 for five in their 20 overs courtesy a fine knock by Mahmudullah (49 n o, 29b, 7×4, 1×6), the Aussies scored 157 for the loss of seven wickets to scrape through by three wickets.
It would have been close if Bangladesh had taken the chances that came their way. But they dropped two catches, missed at least three run out opportunities and let the Aussies off the hook. However, Bangladesh should be commended for the way they fought against the mighty Australians.
Already without Taskin Ahmed and Sunny Arafat (both suspended by the ICC for allegedly illegal actions), Bangladesh lost Tamim Iqbal a couple of hours before the match began, the opener ruling himself out, because he was unwell. Yet they fought on gamely and nearly surprised the mighty Aussies.
Usman Khwaja (58, 45b, 7×4, 1×6) again emerged the top scorer for Australia. But the most crucial knock came from Glenn Maxwell (26, 15b, 2×4, 2×6). He hit Mustafizur Rahman (2/30)for two huge sixes in the 17th over, after the bowler had dismissed Mitch Marsh, 12 important runs that made the job easier for the batters to follow.
Shakib Al Hasan (3/27) was the pick of the Bangladesh bowlers, but then did not have proper spin support as the other left-arm spinner Saqlain Sajib went for 40 in his 3.3 overs.
Earlier Mahmudullah batted brilliantly to help Bangladesh recover from a wobbly start and post a competitive total.
Put into bat, Bangladesh made a poor start as they were reduced to 26 for two in the sixth over but a fine contribution from Shakib Al Hasan (33, 25b, 3×4, 1×6) and a late flurry from Mahmudullah took them to a fighting total in their crucial match.
Bangladesh batsmen struggled for most part of their innings and they shook off the shackles only in the last five overs with Mahmudullah taking charge. They took 52 runs in these five overs to go past the 150-run mark.
Leg-spinner Adan Zampa (3/23) hogged the limelight with some incisive bowling in the middle for Australia. He was well-supported by Shane Watson (2/31).
