Dhaka: Mosaddek Hossain Saikat produced a superb all-round display as Bangladesh thrashed Australia by 86 runs on DLS method in the opening match of the three-match ODI series at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today. The victory was only Bangladesh’s second-ever ODI win over Australia and their first against the five-time world champions since the memorable triumph in Cardiff in 2005.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Bangladesh dominated the game thoroughly to seal the victory with Mosaddek putting on a stellar all-round performance and Nahid Rana intimidating the visitors with raw pace. Mosaddek’s career-best 70 ball-86 not out, his only second fifty-plus knock in the ODI format, steered the side to a challenging 284-8. Australia managed to put up 191-9 before the thunderstorm and rain halted the game. As the rain continued to pour on, the match was declared to be called off with Bangladesh ahead by 86 runs as per the DLS method.
Nahid Rana was the standout bowler for Bangladesh, intimidating the Aussie batters with raw pace before claiming 4-41 in 10 overs. Mosaddek scalped 2-41 along with his 86 not out to cap off a stunning return to International cricket. Bangladesh had suffered a brief middle-order collapse, which raised concern to put a challenging total. But Mosaddek, who was given a chance to fix the vulnerable middle order, played his role to precision just as the team management envisaged.
Najmul Hossain Shanto and opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim continued their rich vein of form, hitting two crucial half-centuries. Shanto struck 86 ball-67, his third consecutive fifty-plus knock, following his 50 not out and 105 against New Zealand. Tanzid smashed 54 off 44, which was his fourth fifty in the last seven innings. Tanzid and Shanto steadied the innings with a 96-run partnership for the second wicket after Bangladesh lost opener Saif Hasan in the second over of the innings.
Fast bowler Nathan Ellis, who was the standout bowler for Australia with 3-38, claimed the wicket of Saif after he edged a delivery to second slip, following Australia’s decision to put Bangladesh into bat first. Tanzid counterattacked in style, while Shanto showed a steely resolve in defying the Australian attack. Ellis came back in his second spell to break the threatening partnership when Tanzid holed out a slower delivery to mid-off after hitting seven fours and one six in his fluent knock.
Shanto raised his 12th fifty from 57 balls after the departure of Tanzid and looked set for big innings. But occasional bowler Matt Renshaw proved to be a tough nut to break as he stalled Bangladesh’s progress with two wickets in quick succession. He firstly removed Litton Das with a return catch for 7, before claiming the wicket of Shanto, who clattered nine fours and one six in his innings with an arm-ball.
Mosaddek showed no rust on his return to International cricket after four years as he got into groove immediately, treating the pumped-up Australian bowlers with disdain. Even though Towhid Hridoy struggled at the other end, Mosaddek kept the runs flowing with immense acumen. Xavier Bartlett sent back Towhid for 31, bringing an end to the 75-run fifth wicket partnership, but Mosaddek continued hitting the bowlers all corners of the park. He reached his only fourth fifty off 49 balls and thereafter came down heavily on Australia bowlers, propelling the side to a total that gave the side a psychological edge.
Australia’s chase got off to the worst possible start when Taskin Ahmed clean-bowled opener Matthew Short with the first ball of the innings, becoming only the third Bangladeshi bowler to claim a wicket with the opening delivery in an ODI. Mustafizur Rahman soon trapped Marnus Labuschagne leg-before for 1, while Nahid Rana removed captain Josh Inglis as Bangladesh tightened their grip on the contest. Mosaddek further dented Australia’s hopes by dismissing Cooper Connolly and Matt Renshaw, reducing the visitors to deep trouble.
Alex Carey and Cameron Green attempted to rebuild the innings, but Bangladesh’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure. Carey made 47 before edging Nahid behind the stumps, while Green reached an unbeaten half-century. Green was batting on 52 when the rain and thunderstorm stopped the game. The second match is on Thursday as Bangladesh will look to confirm the series.