Chattogram: Matt Renshaw’s unbeaten half-century led Australia to a 7-wicket win in the second T20I of the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh at the Pir Sireshto Flight Lt Madiur Rahman Stadium on Friday.
The win helped Australia take a 2-0 lead in the series as they also won the opening match at the same venue on Wednesday by four wickets, while the third T20I is scheduled to be played here on Sunday.
Aided by a sensational fourth-wicket partnership between Tim David and Renshaw, Australia captain Mitchell Marsh elected to bat first as the tour team amassed a massive total of 196/5 in 20 overs.
However, the visitors started their innings shaky as they lost their top order, which included Josh Inglis (11), Cooper Connolly (one) and skipper Marsh (20) for 44 inside the powerplay.
After stumbling early on, Renshaw teamed up with David and the duo dominated and turned a 97-run partnership in Australia’s favour.
Abdul Ghaffar Saqlain finally broke the menacing stand in the 15th over by dismissing David for 45 off 26 balls with 4 sixes and 2 fours.
Australia suffered another setback in the next over when Nikhil Chaudhary was dismissed for 8 off six balls by Nasum Ahmed.
But Renshaw continued his attack and batted till the end, pushing Australia into a defensive score, scoring a quick 89 that featured 5 sixes and 4 fours off just 52 balls.
He was amply supported by Joel Davies, who scored an unbeaten 13 off eight balls with the help of a six.
Nasum Ahmed bowled well for Bangladesh with 2 wickets for 27 runs in his two overs while Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana and Saqlain took one wicket each.
Chasing a tough target of 197 runs, despite a concerted effort from their batting unit, the home side could only muster 189/6 in their allotted 20 overs, surrendering the series to a convincing defeat.
Right-handed opener Saif Hasan led the way with a blistering 42 off 33 balls, while Parvez Hossain Emon (36), skipper Dawhid Hridoi (35) and teammate Danzid Hasan (30) chipped in with notable runs.
Aaron Hardy took two wickets in Australia’s bowling but conceded 40 runs in his four overs. He was supported by Nathan Ellis, Adam Zamba, Davies and Renshaw.
With economical bowling figures of 1/13 from his two overs, Renshaw was adjudged man of the match to support his unbeaten half-century.