Australia will look to continue their resurgence and seal the three-match T20I series when they take on Bangladesh in the second T20I at the Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram on Friday.
Australia's Comeback After ODI Defeat
After suffering a 1-2 defeat in the ODI series, Australia bounced back impressively in the shortest format, registering a four-wicket victory in the opening T20I to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
The visitors produced a clinical all-round performance in the series opener, with their spin attack doing the bulk of the damage. Adam Zampa and Joel Davies claimed three wickets each as Bangladesh were bundled out for 131 in 19 overs. India-born all-rounder Nikhil Chaudhary, the first India-born male cricketer to represent Australia in six decades, also chipped in with a wicket.
Bangladesh's Innings Collapse
Bangladesh had started brightly after captain Towhid Hridoy won the toss and opted to bat, reaching 39/1 in the fifth over. However, Australia's spinners turned the game around as the hosts lost seven wickets for just 60 runs, surrendering control of the innings.
Cooper Connolly Shines Again
In reply, Australia were briefly rocked by the early departures of skipper Mitchell Marsh, returning from an ankle injury, and Josh Inglis. But Cooper Connolly once again emerged as the star performer. Fresh from his match-winning 149 in the final ODI, Connolly smashed 47 off 39 balls, including four fours and three sixes, to guide Australia to 133/6 in 18.2 overs.
Bangladesh's debutant left-arm pacer Abdul Gaffar impressed with figures of 2/32, including the prized wicket of Connolly, but it was not enough to prevent Australia from taking the lead.
Series Context
With momentum firmly on their side, Australia will now be aiming to clinch the series with a game to spare, while Bangladesh face a must-win situation to keep the contest alive.
Match Details and Live Streaming
When will the Bangladesh vs Australia, 2nd T20I match take place? The Bangladesh vs Australia, 2nd T20I will be played on June 19.
Where will the Bangladesh vs Australia, 2nd T20I match be held? The match will be played at the Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram.
What time will the Bangladesh vs Australia, 2nd T20I start? The match will begin at 1:30 PM IST, while the toss will take place at 1:00 PM IST.
Where can fans watch the Bangladesh vs Australia, 2nd T20I live? The match will be streamed live on FanCode.
Where can fans follow the Bangladesh vs Australia, 2nd T20I online? Live updates, scorecard and ball-by-ball commentary will be available on TimesofIndia.com.
Predicted XIs
Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Parvez Hossain Emon (wk), Towhid Hridoy (c), Shamim Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Abdul Gaffar Saqlain, Mustafizur Rahman
Australia: Mitchell Marsh (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Cooper Connolly, Matt Renshaw, Tim David, Nikhil Chaudhary, Joel Davies, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Spencer Johnson, Adam Zampa
Full Squads
Australia: Mitchell Marsh (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Matt Renshaw, Aaron Hardie, Nikhil Chaudhary, Joel Davies, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Spencer Johnson, Adam Zampa, Cameron Green, Riley Meredith, Matthew Kuhnemann, Josh Philippe.
Bangladesh: Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Litton Das (wk/c), Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Soumya Sarkar, Nurul Hasan, Nahid Rana, Abdul Gaffar Saqlain, Nasum Ahmed.
