In a pivotal Super Eight clash of the ICC T20 World Cup in Antigua on Friday, Bangladesh's aspirations were dampened by a measured batting performance in the crucial middle overs, culminating in a 28-run defeat to Australia via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method.
The Tigers now face a decisive encounter against India in the same venue on Saturday, with victory essential to sustaining their dreams of a first-ever semi-final berth. The match is scheduled to start at 8:30 p.m. (Bangladesh time).
Meanwhile, David Warner's unbeaten knock of 53 from 35 deliveries was the cornerstone of Australia's victory, complemented by Pat Cummins' hat-trick heroics, as the former title-holders demonstrated their supremacy across all facets of play.
The Aussies were comfortably ahead in their pursuit of 141, positioned at 100 for two after 11.2 overs and 28 runs beyond the DLS par score when the weather curtailed play for the final time.
Earlier, Bangladesh's innings never quite ignited despite a solid foundation laid by Najmul Hossain Shanto (41 off 36) and Liton Das (16 off 25). The scoreboard read 58 for one after eight overs, but the subsequent overs yielded a mere 45 runs in 45 balls, culminating in Shakib Al Hasan's departure for eight at the start of the 17th over, leaving the team tottering at 103 for five.
Towhid Hridoy's spirited 28-ball 40 provided a glimmer of hope, yet it proved insufficient as Bangladesh settled for a modest 140 for eight on a responsive pitch at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
On the bowling front, Rishad Hossain emerged as Bangladesh's silver lining, the towering leg-spinner claiming two wickets against the tide.
Rishad Hossain's initial overs were a bright spot for Bangladesh, as he dismissed Australian batsmen Travis Head and captain Mitchell Marsh. Nonetheless, the Tigers faced an uphill task to tilt the balance of the Super Eight match in their favour.
With the target set at 141, Australia stood at 100 for two in 11.2 overs, Warner at the helm with 53 runs, marking his 28th T20 half-century, when the elements intervened once more. At this juncture, Australia's score comfortably exceeded the par score of 72.
The reigning champions had amassed 64 without loss after 6.2 overs, with Head and Warner contributing 31 and 32 runs respectively, before rain brought a temporary respite.
In dire need of a breakthrough following Head and Warner's assault on the Bangladeshi bowlers, the rain delay proved advantageous for the Tigers, with Rishad seizing the moment.
Continuing his impressive form, Rishad outfoxed Head with a beautifully flighted delivery that shattered the stumps, followed by Marsh's lbw dismissal in the subsequent over.
Despite these setbacks, the Australians, led by Warner and the incoming Glen Maxwell, remained undeterred, maintaining their aggressive approach at the crease.
