Bangladesh create history with first-ever ODI series win over Australia

DHAKA: Bangladesh created history on Thursday by securing their first-ever ODI series victory over Australia. The hosts clinched the three-match series with a game to spare after registering a five-wicket win in the rain-affected second ODI. Batting first, Australia scored 187/8 in 42 overs. Following rain interruptions, Bangladesh were set a revised target of 191 in 41 overs under the DLS method. The hosts comfortably chased down the target, reaching 192/5 in 35 overs. Pacer Mustafizur Rahman was named Player of the Match for his impressive bowling performance.

The chase was anchored by Soumya Sarkar, who scored 42 off 47 balls, and Najmul Hossain Shanto, who contributed 41 off 53. Towhid Hridoy remained unbeaten on 40 from 55 deliveries, while captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz finished unbeaten on 22 off 22 to steer the hosts to victory. Litton Das chipped in with a quick 21 off 18 balls. For Australia, Xavier Bartlett, Riley Meredith, Adam Zampa, Matt Renshaw and Cameron Green claimed one wicket each.

Earlier, Australia endured a disastrous start after being put in to bat. The visitors lost three wickets before opening their account and were reduced to 25/4 at one stage. A fighting partnership between Marnus Labuschagne and Xavier Bartlett helped Australia avoid a complete collapse. Labuschagne remained unbeaten on 55 off 85 balls, while Bartlett scored a valuable 52 off 48 after coming in at No. 8. The pair added 103 runs for the seventh wicket after Australia had slumped to 81/6.

Australia's top order struggled, with Matthew Short, Cooper Connolly and Matt Renshaw all dismissed for ducks. Josh Inglis scored 34, Alex Carey made 13 and Cameron Green contributed 25. For Bangladesh, Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed picked up three wickets each, while Tanvir Islam claimed two wickets.