Australia have suffered a humiliating 86-run defeat (DLS method) against Bangladesh in the first ODI of their three-match series, marking their first loss to the Asian side in 21 years. The match took place at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on Tuesday, where Bangladesh hosted Australia in a men's ODI for the first time since 2011.
Bangladesh's commanding performance
After being sent in to bat, Bangladesh posted a formidable 8-284 from their 50 overs. The innings was anchored by Mossadek Hossain, who smashed a career-best 86 not out off 70 balls in his first international appearance in four years. He was given multiple reprieves, as Australia dropped four catches and missed two run-out opportunities. Najmul Hossain Shanto contributed 67, while Tanzid Hasan made 54, sharing a rapid 96-run second-wicket stand after the early loss of Saif Hassan (5).
Nathan Ellis was the pick of the Australian bowlers with 3-38, while part-time off-spinner Matt Renshaw claimed 2-35 in the middle overs. Debutant Liam Scott took his maiden international wicket, trapping Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz lbw for 3.
Australia's batting collapse
Chasing 285, Australia's reply started disastrously when Matt Short was bowled by Taskin Ahmed off the first ball of the innings. In the second over, Marnus Labuschagne (1) was adjudged lbw to Mustafizur Rahman after a successful Bangladesh review. Labuschagne's poor form continued; he has now averaged just 11.64 in his last 17 ODIs since 2024.
Captain Josh Inglis (19) nicked off to Nahid Rana, who gave him a fiery send-off. Alex Carey (47) and Cooper Connolly (35) got starts but failed to convert them into big scores. Cameron Green remained unbeaten on 52, his fourth ODI half-century, but lacked support. When Carey edged Nahid to wicketkeeper Litton Das, the result was all but sealed.
Australia were eventually bowled out for 191 in 42.2 overs, with lightning and rain ending play. Nahid Rana was the star with the ball, taking 4-41, consistently troubling the tourists with his express pace exceeding 150 km/h. He is mentored by Bangladesh bowling coach and former Australian speedster Shaun Tait.
Disappointment for Australia
Acting Australian captain Josh Inglis expressed his disappointment: "Disappointing total on our part. We dropped four or five catches. I thought if it (Bangladesh score) was somewhere around 230-240 it was very chaseable. We didn't have a big partnership to get us close. Disappointing day all-round."
Alex Carey echoed similar sentiments: "We didn't get it right in all facets. Our fielding was a bit sloppy. With the bat we lost clumps of wickets. Not a great way to start the series, but it is a series and we have two to go. Hopefully we can respond and play better cricket. We created a number of chances but weren't able to hang on, hopefully we'll be cleaner in that and can respond on Thursday. That's the key, learn really quickly."
Looking ahead
The second ODI will be played in Dhaka on Thursday. Australia will need to regroup quickly if they are to level the series and avoid a rare series defeat to Bangladesh.
