Mustafizur, Taskin’s star, Bangladesh secure first ODI series win over Australia

Bangladesh created history in Dhaka by securing their first ODI series triumph over Australia and sealing the contest with a five-wicket win in the second match. Chasing a revised DLS target of 192 after play was interrupted by rain, the hosts overcame some late nerves to secure an unassailable lead in the series.

The foundation for the victory was laid by the Bangladeshi bowlers, who got off to a sensational start to dismiss Australia’s top three batsmen before a single run was scored. Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman spearheaded the attack, claiming three wickets each and leaving the visitors reeling in the opening overs.

Despite a disastrous start, Australia recovered admirably to add 187 for 8 in 42 overs before rain halted proceedings. They became only the fourth side in ODI history to find themselves at 0 for 3 and still post a competitive total. Marnus Labuschagne and Xavier Bartlett were responsible for the revival as they combined for a valuable partnership of 103 runs for the seventh wicket. Labuschagne remained unbeaten on 55 while Bartlett scored a career-best 52.

When the chase resumed after a long delay, Bartlett transferred his confidence to the ball-in-hand role. He immediately troubled Bangladesh, pulling a huge pull from the opening delivery before dismissing Tanzid Hasan with a reverse catch later in the over. Najmul Hossain Shanto also survived a Test spell, escaping a difficult chance and overturning an lbw decision through a check.

Bangladesh responded positively through Soumya Sarkar, recalled to the side for the match. He hit some sharp boundaries and attacked the seamers as well as the spinners, sharing the smooth opening with Shant. The pair kept the score moving with aggressive stroke play, including a towering six from Soumya over long-on.

Australia finally broke through when Matt Renshaw removed Soumya, whose attempted reverse paddle found the fielder at slip. Riley Meredith then accounted for Shanto shortly after, while Cameron Green added further pressure by dismissing Litton Das with a sharp delivery that took the glove.

Mosaddek Hossain, the hero of Bangladesh’s first-match win, struck briefly before succumbing to Cooper Connolly. At 144 for 5, the hosts still required work to complete the chase, especially with the lower order exposed.

Mehidy captain Hasan Miraz and Towhid Hridoy ensured there was no collapse. Mehidy fought on despite taking a blow to the head, while Hridoy stepped up at the crucial moment. A six and a boundary from Meredith brought the target within touching distance before Mehidy completed the win with another hook shot that cleared the boundary.

Earlier, Australian innings fell apart almost instantly. Taskin dismissed Matthew Short for the second game in a row and shot him through the wicket after opening his shoulders. The duck extended Short’s slender run to record his third consecutive zero score in ODI cricket.

Mustafizur then struck twice in quick succession. Cooper Connolly was caught first ball while Renshaw departed in similar fashion later in the over. Australia were yet to score when the third wicket fell.

The collapse deepened when Alex Carey was caught at the spot after driving a free on Mustafizur, reducing Australia to 25 for 4. The left-seamer’s power-play spell produced three wickets, only the second such instance in his ODI career.

Josh Inglis tried to rebuild the innings with a lively 34 that included five boundaries, including an impressive six off Nahid Rana. However, spinner Tanvir Islam halted his progress and soon removed Cameron Green as well, leaving Australia in deeper trouble.

The guest regeneration was prepared by Labuschagne and Bartlett. Labuschagne, batting lower down the order at No. 7, anchored the innings with a measured half-century after surviving a chance of early run-out. Bartlett played a more aggressive role, hitting six boundaries and two sixes in a counter attack that shifted the momentum.

Taskin eventually ended the partnership by bowling Bartlett with an inswinger in the penultimate over. He then removed Adam Žampa on the very next delivery, ensuring that Australia could not add significant late runs. These wickets also proved significant when the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern calculations were applied after the rain break, leaving Bangladesh with a manageable target which they successfully chased down.

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Published on:

11 Jun 2026 23:55 IST