‘We’ll be challenging whoever comes to play in Bangladesh’

In spite of the fact that Bangladesh managed to post their best opening stand so far, of 42 runs, in the five-match T20I series against Australia, the Tigers just could not capitalise on their start to land a big total in the fifth and final game at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur yesterday.

Even then, Bangladesh's half-decent target of 122 for eight proved a little too much for the men from Down Under, as their middle-order miserably collapsed from 48 for three to becoming all out for 62 in 13.4 overs. And with this shambolic batting display, the Aussies registered their lowest-ever total in the shortest format of the game. Their previous lowest-ever score, of 79 in 14.3 overs, was in Southampton against England in 2005.

Shakib Al Hasan, the usual suspect when it comes to becoming the decider of a match, wrecked havoc by picking up four wickets, giving away just nine runs. He was adjudged to be the both player of the match and the series.   

While man-of-the-match and man-of-the-series Shakib Al Hasan celebrates the victory with Mustafizur Rahman yesterday. PHOTO: FIROZ AHMED

"I think we played some really good cricket through two series, in Zimbabwe and here. Obviously the wicket was tough, but we held our nerve well. All in all a team effort," said the champion all-rounder after the match.

"If you look at the last match, we scored 104-105 and the game still went to the last over. So we knew if we score 120-130 we'll always be in the game. We started well with the bat today, that gave us momentum. I think the bowlers did a fantastic job throughout this series. We're trying to improve all our areas," Shakib added further.

A jubilant skipper Mahmudullah Riyad emphasised on the team effort.

"The boys showed a lot of character and hunger to win a series against a team like Australia. We executed our plans really well. Obviously it was hard for the batters, but we did well to keep getting 120-130. All the bowlers worked really well together.

"We always felt that in our backyard we are a very good team. We can't let anything go past. We'll be challenging whoever comes to play in Bangladesh and we'd like to win every series. Though the ranking doesn't show it, I have always felt we have very good potential to be a very good team in T20Is," said Mahmudullah. 

Earlier in the first innings, the hosts from being in a situation capable of posting somewhere near 140, were 91 for 4 in 16 overs. By losing wickets at regular intervals, Bangladesh eventually managed to add 31 runs and lost four wickets in the last six overs.

And yesterday's win for Bangladesh had meant, that in terms of Australia's win-percentage record against their oppositions in T20Is, the Tigers are levelled with England on 56 percent, ahead of South Africa (62%) and New Zealand (68%).

Australian captain Matthew Wade insisted that this was a learning curve for their side and gave hosts the credit.

Supporters had to get to the top of a building adjacent to the stadium to enjoy the last game as the health protocol for the Covid-19 restricted the spectators from entering the stadium. PHOTO: FIROZ AHMED

"It's hard to say there will be more positives. Certainly a great learning opportunity for our group. I've played for a few years now, certainly the toughest conditions to play T20 cricket in. Great learning for youngsters. Wasn't our series unfortunately. There's no excuses of not playing enough cricket. We had enough cricket in the West Indies to come and play good cricket, we just didn't. Credit to Bangladesh, they did well."