With a lead of 2-0, Bangladesh will be looking to register their first ever series win over Australia in any format on 6 August, by beating them in the third T20I at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka.
The bowling unit has put on inspiring performances to guide Bangladesh to emerge victorious on both occasions. While Nasum Ahmed spun a web around Australian batters to return a career-best 4-19 in the first match, Mustafizur Rahman starred in the second with 3-23. Mahedi Hasan and Shoriful Islam were as impressive in the Powerplay and the death overs respectively.
In the second match, less than 48 hours ago, Bangladesh lower middle-order batters Afif Hossain and Nurul Hasan showed composure and demonstrated that they have the temperament required for the highest level. Shakib Al Hasan has been in red-hot form as well, both with bat and ball.
Barring Mitchell Marsh, Australia’s inexperienced batters have been exposed away from home, first in West Indies, now in Bangladesh. Their bowlers, however, have found the rhythm and have often created problems, only to be let down by their batters. They have to regroup quickly to win all three remaining games to take this away from Bangladesh.
Scoring runs on the slow and low Mirpur pitch has been challenging in the previous encounters. The nature of the pitch is unlikely to change again under hot and humid conditions. Both sides are unlikely to make any changes from their last encounter.
Betway Fantasy Tips
– Mustafizur has got five wickets in two games so far. Pick him as vice-captain in your fantasy XI if you bet on Bangladesh.
– Include as many all-rounders as you can in your lineup. Shakib, Marsh, and the two Ashtons – Agar and Turner – can all be handy options in this fixture.
– Mitchell Starc was expensive in the last match but had looked ominous in the first. Make him captain if you bet on Australia.
Head to Head
Australia have played Bangladesh six times in T20Is. They have won four and lost two.
Likely XIs
Bangladesh: Mahmudullah (c), Nurul Hasan (wk), Mohammad Naim, Soumya Sarkar, Shakib Al Hasan, Afif Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Shamim Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Nasum Ahmed.
Australia: Matthew Wade (c and wk), Alex Carey, Mitchell Marsh, Josh Philippe, Moises Henriques, Ashton Turner, Ashton Agar, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, Andrew Tye.
Prediction
Australia to win the contest and make it 1-2.