Australia secured a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the third T20I at the Bir Shreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram on Saturday, completing a 3-0 series sweep. The visitors chased down Bangladesh's 109/8 with 54 balls to spare, reaching 112/3 in just 11 overs.
Bangladesh's Batting Collapse
After opting to bat first, Bangladesh endured another disappointing performance with the bat, managing only 109/8 in their 20 overs. Australia's bowlers set the tone early, with Spencer Johnson and Nathan Ellis tearing through the top order. Johnson returned remarkable figures of 2/6 from his four overs, while Ellis chipped in with 2/21. Adam Zampa further tightened the screws in the middle overs, claiming 2/22 and bowling a maiden over as Bangladesh struggled to build momentum.
At 42/5, the hosts looked destined for an even lower total before stand-in captain Towhid Hridoy produced a lone act of resistance. The right-hander battled hard for his 61 off 51 balls, striking three sixes and holding the innings together while wickets continued to tumble around him. Without Hridoy's contribution, Bangladesh's total could have been far more modest.
Marsh's Blitzkrieg Seals the Chase
Chasing a modest target, Australia came out with aggressive intent, led by captain Mitchell Marsh. The skipper dominated the powerplay and dismantled the Bangladesh attack with a blistering 60 off just 28 deliveries. His innings included seven fours and four sixes as he raced to a 23-ball half-century, effectively putting the contest beyond Bangladesh's reach.
Josh Inglis contributed 17 at the top before Marsh's departure gave the hosts brief hope. However, Cooper Connolly and Tim David ensured there were no late hiccups, guiding Australia comfortably across the finish line. David added the finishing touches with two towering sixes as the tourists completed the chase in emphatic fashion.
Series Sweep and Context
The clean sweep marked a strong response from Australia after their surprise ODI series defeat earlier in the tour. According to reports, the T20I series victory highlighted Australia's dominance in the shortest format, with their bowlers consistently restricting Bangladesh to low totals across all three matches.
