Dhaka: Bangladesh produced a sensational all-round performance to defeat Australia by 86 runs in a rain-affected opening ODI at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
The victory marked only Bangladesh’s second-ever ODI win against Australia, their first coming in the historic 2005 clash in Cardiff.
Mosaddek leads from the front
Mosaddek Hossain starred with both bat and ball, smashing a career-best unbeaten 86 off 70 balls in his return to international cricket after four years. His innings, laced with seven fours and three sixes, anchored Bangladesh’s total and earned him the Player of the Match award.
He also chipped in with two crucial wickets, capping a memorable comeback performance.
Bangladesh’s innings was further bolstered by half-centuries from Tanzid Hasan (54 off 44) and Najmul Hossain Shanto (67 off 86), who stitched together a vital 96-run partnership for the second wicket.
Despite losing Saif Hassan early, the hosts recovered well, though Australia missed several chances in the field, dropping as many as six catches — four of them off Mosaddek.
Late surge lifts Bangladesh
Australia briefly fought back through part-time off-spinner Matthew Renshaw, who removed Litton Das and Shanto in quick succession.
However, Mosaddek ensured Bangladesh maintained momentum, adding 75 runs with Towhid Hridoy before contributing to late partnerships with Tanvir Islam and Taskin Ahmed.
These efforts propelled Bangladesh to a competitive total of 284, setting up a challenging chase for the visitors.
Nathan Ellis was the pick of the Australian bowlers, claiming 3-38, while Renshaw and debutant Liam Scott picked up two wickets each.
Pace attack rattles Australia
Australia’s chase got off to a disastrous start, with Taskin Ahmed dismissing Matt Short for a duck off the very first ball. Mustafizur Rahman compounded the early damage by removing Marnus Labuschagne in the next over, leaving Australia reeling at 2-2.
Cooper Connolly (35) and Cameron Green attempted to stabilise the innings, but regular wickets derailed the chase.
Captain Josh Inglis (19) and Alex Carey (47) showed brief resistance, but Nahid Rana proved too hot to handle. The young pacer claimed four wickets, including Carey, dismantling the middle order.
Rain seals Bangladesh victory
At 191-9 in 42.2 overs, Australia were still 93 runs away from victory with just one wicket remaining when a thunderstorm halted play.
With conditions not improving, Bangladesh were declared winners by 86 runs via the Duckworth–Lewis–Stern (DLS) method.
Cameron Green remained unbeaten on 52 but lacked support from the lower order, which failed to put up any meaningful resistance.
Conclusion
Bangladesh’s emphatic win showcased their growing confidence and ability to challenge top-tier teams. With strong performances across departments, they will look to carry this momentum into the remaining matches of the series.
Australia, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly, address their fielding lapses, and strengthen their batting if they hope to bounce back in the next ODI.