CHATTOGRAM, Bangladesh – Australia has locked in an unbeatable 2-0 lead in its three-match Twenty20 series against Bangladesh, clinching a nail-biting seven-run win in the second fixture on Friday thanks to a standout all-round performance from Matt Renshaw, who notched a personal best 89 not out.
Renshaw’s masterclass with the bat propelled Australia to a commanding total of 196 runs for the loss of five wickets – the highest T20 score Australia has ever recorded against Bangladesh. The left-hander, who faced 52 deliveries and hammered four fours and five maximums, combined with Tim David for a 97-run fourth-wicket stand off just 50 balls to set up the visitors’ big total. David chipped in with a quickfire 45 off 26 balls, including two boundaries and four sixes, before he was cleanly deceived by Abdul Gaffar’s slower delivery.
Australia’s innings got off to a steady start after captain Mitchell Marsh won the toss and opted to bat first, with Marsh and wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis putting on early runs. Left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed broke the opening partnership when he trapped Inglis (11) leg before wicket. Debut-tier fast bowler Nahid Rana, playing just his second career T20, then removed Marsh for 20, leaving Australia reeling at 44 runs for three wickets in the sixth over. Renshaw’s steady batting then anchored the rest of the innings, guiding the lower order to push Australia close to the 200-run mark. The all-rounder also delivered when given the ball, finishing with impressive figures of one wicket for just 13 runs.
In their chase, Bangladesh made a flying start, reaching 72 runs for the loss of one wicket in the mandatory six-over power play – their highest power play total against Australia in T20 history. Opener Tanzid Hasan led the early charge, but Renshaw claimed his key wicket with a sharp return catch, removing Hasan for 31 runs off 15 balls to grab the crucial breakthrough. Saif Hassan followed with a solid 42 off 33 deliveries, but Australia’s spin attack choked Bangladesh’s run rate through the middle overs, slowing the hosts’ momentum.
Bangladesh finished their innings at 189 runs for six wickets, falling just seven runs short of the target. All-rounder Aaron Hardie was another standout for Australia, finishing with two wickets for 40 runs from his four overs. Bangladesh, which suffered a four-wicket defeat in the series opener, will look to avoid a whitewash in the third and final T20, scheduled to be played this Sunday at the same Chattogram venue.