Australia's cricket team suffered a surprising defeat to Bangladesh in the first One-Day International (ODI) in Dhaka, losing by 23 runs. The match, played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, saw Bangladesh post a competitive total of 274 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their 50 overs. In response, Australia managed 251 runs before being bowled out in 48.3 overs.
Bangladesh's innings
Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat first. Openers Tamim Iqbal and Liton Das provided a solid start, putting on 65 runs for the first wicket. Tamim scored 42 off 56 balls, while Liton made 38. However, Australia struck back with quick wickets, reducing Bangladesh to 134 for 4 in the 30th over. A crucial partnership between Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah revived the innings. Shakib played a captain's knock of 83 runs off 97 balls, hitting 8 fours and a six. Mahmudullah contributed 56 off 68 balls. Their 112-run stand for the fifth wicket helped Bangladesh reach a defendable total. Josh Hazlewood was the pick of the Australian bowlers, taking 3 for 48, while Pat Cummins and Adam Zampa took two wickets each.
Australia's chase
Chasing 275 for victory, Australia got off to a flying start with openers David Warner and Aaron Finch adding 89 runs in 15 overs. Warner scored 54 off 62 balls, while Finch made 48 off 55. However, the introduction of spin brought Bangladesh back into the game. Left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan dismissed both openers in quick succession. Australia's middle order struggled against the turning ball. Steve Smith managed 42 but was dismissed by Mustafizur Rahman. Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis tried to accelerate but fell to Mehidy Hasan Miraz. With 45 runs needed from the last 10 overs and 4 wickets in hand, Bangladesh's bowlers kept the pressure on. Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc added 27 runs for the ninth wicket, but it wasn't enough. Mustafizur Rahman finished with 3 for 52, and Shakib took 2 for 43.
Key moments
The turning point of the match was the dismissal of David Warner, which triggered a collapse. Bangladesh's spinners exploited the dry pitch effectively, and the home team's fielding was sharp, with two run-outs. Australia's captain Pat Cummins acknowledged the team's shortcomings, saying, "We were outplayed in the middle overs. Bangladesh bowled well and we couldn't build partnerships." Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan praised his team's performance: "The bowlers did a great job defending the total. The spinners were outstanding."
Series implications
This win gives Bangladesh a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series. The second match will be played at the same venue on June 14. Australia will need to regroup quickly to avoid losing the series. The visitors have historically struggled in subcontinent conditions, and this defeat highlights their vulnerability against spin. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will be confident after this victory, which continues their strong home record in ODIs.
