(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Bangladesh Make History with First-Ever ODI Series Win Over Australia
Bangladesh secured a landmark achievement in international cricket by defeating Australia in the second One-Day International in Dhaka, clinching their first-ever ODI series win against the five-time world champions.
Chasing a revised target of 192 under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method in a rain-affected match, Bangladesh reached the target comfortably with five wickets in hand and 36 balls remaining, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Australia were bowled out for 187 in 42 overs after early setbacks, including a dramatic collapse that saw them lose three wickets without scoring. Marnus Labuschagne (55 not out) and Xavier Bartlett (52) helped recover the innings with a crucial partnership.
Bangladesh’s bowling attack set the tone, with Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman taking three wickets each to restrict the visitors. Tanvir Islam also contributed with key breakthroughs during the middle overs.
In response, Bangladesh faced early pressure but recovered through important partnerships. Soumya Sarkar and Najmul Hossain Shanto both scored 42 runs, helping stabilize the chase.
Towhid Hridoy played a composed unbeaten knock of 40 runs, while captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz added 22 not out to guide the team home without further trouble.
The victory marks Bangladesh’s fifth consecutive home ODI series win, following successful campaigns against Sri Lanka, West Indies, Pakistan, and New Zealand.
Australia, fielding a depleted squad, suffered a second straight ODI series defeat after their recent loss to Pakistan.
Cricket analysts described the result as one of Bangladesh’s most significant achievements in the 50-over format, highlighting the team’s growing strength in home conditions.
