(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Connolly Guides Australia to Four-Wicket Victory Over Bangladesh in T20 Series Opener
Australia secured a four-wicket win over Bangladesh in the opening T20 International of the three-match series in Chattogram on Wednesday, taking a 1-0 lead.
Chasing a target of 132, the visitors reached 133-6 in 18.2 overs, with opener Cooper Connolly leading the way with an impressive 47 off 27 deliveries.
Connolly’s innings included four boundaries and three sixes and proved crucial after Australia lost early wickets during the chase. He shared an important partnership with Tim David, who contributed 20 runs, helping stabilize the innings.
Bangladesh made a strong start with the ball as Shoriful Islam dismissed Josh Inglis and Mustafizur Rahman removed captain Mitchell Marsh. However, Connolly kept the chase on track before falling just three runs short of a half-century.
Australia faced another brief challenge in the middle overs, but debutant Joel Davies and Xavier Bartlett remained calm to guide the team across the finish line with 10 balls remaining.
For Bangladesh, debutant Abdul Gaffar Saqlain impressed with two wickets, while Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Mehidy Hasan and Rishad Hossain claimed one wicket each.
Earlier, Bangladesh were bowled out for 131 in 19 overs after choosing to bat first.
Australia’s spin attack played a decisive role, with Adam Zampa and debutant Joel Davies both taking three wickets. The visitors’ spinners claimed nine wickets in the innings, setting a new benchmark for Australia in T20 International cricket.
Bangladesh started positively during the powerplay and reached 52 runs in the first six overs. However, regular wickets prevented them from building substantial partnerships.
Mehidy Hasan top-scored with an unbeaten 29, while several batters made starts but were unable to convert them into major contributions.
Zampa finished with figures of 3-18 and was named Player of the Match for his outstanding bowling performance.
The second T20 International will provide Bangladesh with an opportunity to level the series, while Australia will look to secure another victory and clinch the contest.
Result: Australia won by four wickets.
Player of the Match: Adam Zampa
Series: Australia lead the three-match T20I series 1-0.
