Australia bundle Bangladesh for 131 in T20 series opener

Bangladesh were restricted to 131 all out by Australia in the opening match of the T20 series in Chattogram on Wednesday, as the visitors’ disciplined spin attack dismantled the hosts’ batting line-up.

Batting first after winning the toss at the Bir Shrestha Shahid Flight Lieutenant Motiur Rahman Stadium, Bangladesh endured a difficult outing despite a steady start from openers Saif Hassan and Tanzid Hasan Tamim, who gave the hosts early momentum.

However, the innings quickly lost shape after the dismissal of both openers inside the powerplay. Captain Towhid Hridoy, leading the side in the absence of regular skipper Litton Das, failed to settle as Bangladesh slipped to 57 for 3. Litton was ruled out of the match with a grade-one calf muscle injury, team physio Delowar Hossain Shiva confirmed, adding that the injury is not considered serious.

The middle order struggled to counter Australia’s spin-heavy attack, with Adam Zampa leading the charge. The Australian leg-spinner, along with Nikhil Chaudhary and Matt Renshaw, consistently applied pressure and shared key breakthroughs as Bangladesh lost wickets at regular intervals.

Shamim Hossain managed only 1 run from 4 balls before being caught behind off Renshaw, while Rishad Hossain departed for 3 as Bangladesh slid further to 78 for 6. The lower order offered little resistance as the innings continued to collapse.

Sheikh Mahadi Hasan provided the only notable resistance, top-scoring with an unbeaten 29, but received little support from the other end. Mustafizur Rahman fell for 7 in the 19th over after a successful review for LBW, as Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 131.

Australia’s bowling unit, particularly its spin trio, dominated proceedings on a surface that offered turn and grip. Zampa noted before the match that the pitch looked slow and conducive for spinners, a reading that proved accurate as the visitors executed their plans effectively.

The match also saw T20 international debuts for Australia’s Nikhil Chaudhary and Joel Davis, along with Bangladesh’s Abdul Gaffar Saklayen.