Mitchell Marsh’s explosive fifty and disciplined bowling seal comprehensive series whitewash in Chattogram
CHATTOGRAM: Australia completed a dominant 3-0 clean sweep of the T20 International series against Bangladesh with a commanding seven-wicket victory in the third and final match at the Bir Shrestho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
The tourists bounced back emphatically after losing the preceding ODI series 2-1, producing a clinical all-round performance throughout the T20I contest to underline their superiority in the shortest format.
Australia dominate with ball and bat
After being asked to bowl first, Australia seized control from the outset by removing Bangladesh’s top-order batsmen early and never allowing the hosts to build momentum.
Bangladesh struggled throughout their innings and managed only 109 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs. Captain Towhid Hridoy fought a lone battle with an unbeaten 61 from 51 deliveries, helping his side cross the 100-run mark.
Australia’s bowlers shared the wickets, with left-arm pacer Spencer Johnson producing a remarkable spell of 2 for 6 from four overs.
Leg-spinner Adam Zampa and seamer Nathan Ellis also claimed two wickets apiece as Bangladesh’s batting line-up failed to recover from the early setbacks.
Marsh powers rapid chase
Chasing a modest target of 110, Australia launched an aggressive assault from the first over.
Captain Mitchell Marsh smashed 60 off just 28 balls, striking seven fours and four sixes in a destructive innings that effectively ended the contest within the Powerplay.
Marsh and wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Inglis added 54 runs for the opening wicket, laying the foundation for a straightforward chase.
Australia eventually reached 112 for 3 in only 11 overs, sealing victory with 54 balls to spare.
Late cameos from Tim David ensured a swift finish, with the power-hitter striking consecutive sixes to complete the rout.
Hridoy rues missed opportunity
Bangladesh captain Towhid Hridoy admitted his side failed to recover after losing early wickets and believed partnerships were crucial on a batting-friendly surface.
The skipper said Bangladesh needed stronger top-order contributions and felt a total in the region of 170 to 180 would have been competitive. His unbeaten half-century, however, was one of the few positives for the hosts in an otherwise disappointing performance.
Renshaw named Player of the Series
Australian all-rounder Matt Renshaw was named Player of the Series after contributing 113 runs and three wickets across the three matches. He played a decisive role throughout the series, including an unbeaten 89 in the second T20I that helped Australia secure the series.
Marsh received the Player of the Match award for his explosive innings and praised the collective effort of the Australian squad, particularly the contribution of several debutants and returning players.
Momentum shifts after ODI series
Bangladesh had started the white-ball tour on a high note by clinching the ODI series 2-1, but Australia carried momentum from their victory in the final ODI into the T20Is and completely turned the tables on the hosts.
The clean sweep provides Australia with a strong boost ahead of future assignments, while Bangladesh will be left searching for answers after a disappointing T20I campaign on home soil.
Bangladesh’s next assignment is an all-format tour of Zimbabwe beginning later this month, while Australia will host Bangladesh in a return series during August.
