Australia began their Super Eight campaign with a decisive victory over Bangladesh, driven by David Warner's unbeaten half-century and Pat Cummins' hat-trick in the final overs.
Bangladesh struggled to build momentum with the bat, apart from a 58-run partnership for the second wicket between Litton Das and Najmul Hossain Shanto. They eventually posted a modest 140 for 8 in their 20 overs on a slower North Sound pitch that offered some assistance to spinners but was still challenging to defend.
In response, Australia's openers, Warner and Travis Head, set the tone early with a blistering start, adding 65 runs in just under seven overs. Despite a brief slowdown imposed by Bangladesh's spinners, Australia was comfortably ahead when rain interrupted the game, leading to their 28-run win under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method.
Zampa’s Middle-Overs Mastery
At 57 for 1 after eight overs, Bangladesh appeared to be in a position to accelerate. However, Adam Zampa, one of the most astute bowlers in the middle overs, soon changed the complexion of their innings. He bowled Litton Das with a quicker delivery that slipped through the batter's sweep shot. Later, he trapped Shanto, the top scorer for Bangladesh, with a sharp leg break, ending his knock at 41. Zampa finished with impressive figures of 2 for 24 from his four overs, stifling Bangladesh's attempt to build a substantial total.
Cummins Seals the Deal with a Hat-Trick
In the closing overs, Bangladesh managed just 23 runs, largely due to Pat Cummins' lethal bowling. He began his hat-trick with a back-of-a-length delivery outside off that Mahmudullah bottom-edged onto his stumps. Mahedi Hasan then attempted a ramp shot off another back-of-a-length ball but was caught neatly at deep third. Cummins completed his hat-trick with a clever slower ball that Towhid Hridoy could only scoop to short fine leg, capping off his over with a remarkable feat.
Cummins' hat-trick marked only the second time an Australian bowler had achieved this in a T20 World Cup, the first being Brett Lee's in 2007, also against Bangladesh.
Warner and Head Set the Pace
From the onset, Australia's openers were aggressive. Warner showcased his intent by reverse sweeping Mahedi Hasan’s second ball for four. The fourth over, delivered by Taskin Ahmed, saw both Warner and Head hitting straight boundaries, with Head smashing a short ball into the stands over cow corner. Their aggressive start yielded 59 runs in the power play.
Although Rishad Hossain, Bangladesh's leg-spinner, claimed two quick wickets, Warner and Head had already put Australia in a commanding position, well above the required run rate.
Australia’s comprehensive performance, combining solid batting at the top and strategic bowling, especially in the middle and final overs, ensured their dominance over Bangladesh. With this win, they maintain their perfect record in the tournament and look poised to continue their strong run in the Super Eights.
Scorecard Highlights
- Australia: 100 for 2 (Warner 53) won by 28 runs (DLS method)
- Bangladesh: 140 for 8 (Shanto 41, Hridoy 40, Cummins 3-29)
Australia will next face Afghanistan, while Bangladesh will look to bounce back against India in their upcoming matches in the Super 8s.