Mirpur: An impressive, unbeaten 86 from Mosaddek Hossain and significant contributions from Najmul Hossain Shanto and Tanzid Hasan propelled Bangladesh to a formidable 284 for 8 in the first ODI against Australia at Mirpur. This marked a memorable return for Mosaddek to the national team after a three-year break.
According to United News of Bangladesh, after Australia chose to field, the hosts overcame early setbacks in their top order and gained momentum in the later stages of the innings. The early breakthrough for Australia came in the second over when Nathan Ellis caused Saif Hassan to edge the ball, resulting in a spectacular catch by Marnus Labuschagne at second slip. Tanzid Hasan then partnered with Shanto to stabilize the innings, scoring a rapid 54 off 44 balls that included seven boundaries and a six.
The pair established a swift 96-run partnership for the second wicket, helping Bangladesh surpass the 100-run milestone in the 16th over. Ellis dismantled this partnership by tricking Tanzid with a slower ball, leading to an easy catch at mid-off. Shanto played a steady role in the middle overs, achieving a half-century off 57 balls.
Matt Renshaw disrupted Bangladesh’s momentum with timely wickets. Renshaw first secured the dismissal of Litton Das for 7 and then forced an error from Shanto, who was caught at long-off after scoring 67 off 86 balls. At 140 for 4, Bangladesh needed stability, which Mosaddek provided by forming a crucial 75-run partnership with Towhid Hridoy, who contributed 31 runs.
Mosaddek took charge as wickets fell around him, including the dismissal of captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz for 3 by debutant Liam Scott. Mosaddek reached his fifty in 49 balls and escalated the scoring rate during the final powerplay. His aggressive play, featuring seven boundaries and three sixes in his 70-ball innings, ensured Bangladesh added 45 runs in the last five overs. Taskin Ahmed added a brisk 20 off 16 balls, getting out on the last ball of the innings.
Ellis stood out among the Australian bowlers with figures of 3 for 38 from 10 overs. Renshaw and Scott contributed with two wickets each, while Scott and Xavier Bartlett faced challenges against Mosaddek’s late onslaught. Australia now needs 285 runs to secure a 1-0 lead in the series, with Bangladesh holding just one win against Australia, achieved in 2005.