Matt Renshaw delivered a match-winning all-round performance as Australia defeated Bangladesh by seven runs in the second T20I in Mirpur on Friday, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Renshaw smashed a career-best unbeaten 89 off 52 balls, powering Australia to 196/5—their highest T20I total against Bangladesh. He then contributed with the ball, taking a crucial catch and a wicket to help restrict the hosts to 189/6 in a thrilling contest.
Australia's Innings
Opting to bat first, Australia started steadily through captain Mitchell Marsh (20) and Josh Inglis (11). However, Bangladesh struck back early with left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed trapping Inglis lbw, and pacer Nahid Rana removing Marsh. At 49/2, Australia were in trouble.
The innings was revived by a match-defining 97-run partnership off just 50 balls between Renshaw and Tim David for the fourth wicket. David blasted 45 off 26 deliveries, hitting two fours and four sixes before falling to Abdul Gaffar's slower ball. Renshaw continued to dominate, striking four fours and five sixes in his unbeaten knock. His late acceleration ensured Australia finished just four runs short of the 200-mark.
Bangladesh's Chase
Bangladesh launched a strong response, racing to 72/1 in the powerplay—their highest six-over total against Australia in T20Is. Tanzid Hasan led the charge with a quickfire 30 off 15 balls. Australia found the breakthrough when Renshaw held onto a return catch to dismiss Tanzid.
Saif Hassan then kept Bangladesh in the hunt with 42 off 33 deliveries, but Australia's spinners tightened the screws during the middle overs. Despite a late push from the lower order, Bangladesh could not find the boundaries consistently enough in the final overs and finished on 189/6, seven runs short of the target.
Aaron Hardie was Australia's most successful bowler with figures of 2/40, while Renshaw also chipped in with a wicket. The third and final T20I will be played in Chattogram on Sunday.
