Bangladesh ran Australia close, but the Mitchell Marsh-led side came out with a closely fought seven-run win in the second T20 International (T20I) against Bangladesh in Chattogram on June 19 (Friday). With this win, Australia have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Matt Renshaw (89*) and Tim David (45) set the tone with the bat with a 97-run stand off just 50 deliveries to propel Australia to a formidable 196/5.
The duo came together after Australia had lost three wickets in the powerplay with just 44 on the board. Renhaw and David did not buckle down under pressure and took the attack to the opposition. Renshaw brought up his highest T20I score, scoring five sixes and four fours along the way. David, too, was not far behind, hitting as many as five sixes and a couple of fours.
For Bangladesh, left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed led the way with figures of 2/27, accounting for the wickets of the dangerous Josh Inglis (11) and Nikhil Chaudhary (8).
Bangladesh falter after brisk start
Chasing 197 to win, Bangladesh got off to a flying start by putting up 72/1 on the board in the powerplay. Needing 125 more to win from 14 overs with nine wickets in hand, Bangladesh faltered despite useful contributions from Saif Hassan (42), Parvez Hossain Emon (36) and skipper Towhid Hridoy (35). Earlier, opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim has slammed a quickfire 30 as well.
Despite this, Bangladesh had too much to get in the final over. Needing 23 to win off six balls, they could manage only 15 despite Hridoy tonking Aaron Hardie (2/40) for a six and a four.
The two teams will now face each other one last time on this tour in the third T20I on June 21 (Sunday).
Brief scores:
Australia 196/5 in 20 overs (Matt Renshaw 89*, Tim David 45; Nasum Ahmed 2/27) beat Bangladesh 189/6 in 20 overs (Saif Hassan 42, Parvez Hossain Emon 36; Aaron Hardie 2/40) by 7 runs
Player of the Match: Matt Renshaw
