Bangladesh have suffered their fifth successive defeat in the Super 12 stage of the ICC’s T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates. They were defeated by Australia – comprehensively by 8 wickets, with more than 13 overs to spare at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Apart from qualifying for the Super 12 stage of the tournament with wins over minnows Oman and Papua New Guinea, there was little for Bangladesh to write home about in this World Cup.
They have lost their four previous Group 1 fixture – and without their talismanic all-rounder Shakib ul Hassan who has returned home with a hamstring strain – their fortunes certainly did not improve against the Aussies today.
Australia’s bowlers simply assumed control of proceedings after winning the toss putting them in to bat first – eventually steamrolling Bangladesh out for 73.
Seamers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazelwood took two wickets apiece early in the innings accounting for most of the top order. But it was leg-spinner Adam Zampa who was the destroyer-in-chief. Zampa took five wickets for just 19 in his four overs – his career-best in T20 Internationals, the best for Australia in T20s and the best figures of the tournament so far – to help bundle out the hapless Bangladeshis for a shocking 73 after well inside their 15 overs.
Knowing that they needed to chase down the target in eight overs to replace South Africa in second place in Group 1 – Australia’s batsmen came out in a belligerent mood. Captain and opener Aaron Finch smashed 40 from just 19 deliveries before he was bowled out – leaving his side on 58 for one – with just 16 more runs to win, after five overs.
David Warner was the other consolation wicket when he was also bowled out – for 18 from just 14 deliveries. Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell added the finishing touches – as they coasted to an eight-wicket victory with 82 deliveries to spare.
This leaves the Proteas with a must-win clash against England on Saturday if they want a chance to make it to the play-offs.
