CHATTOGRAM, June 19, (V7N) – Bangladesh put up 72-1 in the first six overs, their highest runs in the powerplay against Australia in T20 Internationals, during the second T20 of the three-match series at the Bir Shrestha Shaheed Flight Lieutenant Motiur Rahman Stadium. The powerplay burst came as Bangladesh chased 197 runs to stay alive in the series after losing the first match by four wickets.
Despite the whirlwind start, Bangladesh couldn't eclipse their highest-ever powerplay score of 81 for no loss against Ireland, achieved at the same venue in 2023. The 72-1 against Australia was Bangladesh's fifth-highest runs in the first six overs, behind scores of 76-4 against New Zealand (2013), 74-0 against Sri Lanka (2018), and 73-0 against Ireland (2023).
Australia compiled 196-5, their best T20 total against Bangladesh, thanks to a career-best 89 not out off 48 balls from Matt Renshaw. After electing to bat first, captain Mitchell Marsh and Josh Inglis gave the side a fluent start but none converted it to a big knock. Left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed trapped Inglis for 11, while Mustafizur Rahman sent back Marsh for 20.
Nahid Rana, one of two changes for Bangladesh, removed Cooper Connolly for 1 before Renshaw and Tim David put on 97 runs from 50 balls to pave the way for a big total. David hammered 45 off 26 balls with two fours and four sixes before being dismissed by Abdul Gaffar Saqlain. Renshaw, who smashed four fours and five sixes, guided the lower order to push the side closer to the 200-run mark.
Bangladesh's chase began explosively, giving fans hope of a series-levelling victory. The match is crucial for the hosts, who are looking to bounce back after the opening defeat and keep the three-match series alive. The performance of the top order in the powerplay will be key to their chances of chasing down the challenging target.
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