Shakib Al Hasan (4-9) and Mohammad Saifuddin (3-12) helped Bangladesh script a rout. Defending 122 in the fifth T20I, they shot out Australia for 62, their lowest total in T20Is.
The match unfolded on expected lines: runs were hard to come, and bowlers were all over the batters from the word go. An opening stand of 42 between Mahedi Hasan, who replaced Soumya Sarkar at the top, and Mohammad Naim, vindicated Bangladesh’s decision to bat first. This was the only phase where batters appeared in some control.
Naim’s 23 was the highest score of the innings. Once he got out, the run flow stopped. Shakib Al Hasan played 20 balls for his 11 before being pinned lbw by Adam Zampa. Soumya Sarkar made 16 off 18 before falling to Dan Christian. Skipper Mahmudullah hit a six in his 14-ball 19, and Afif Hossain made 10 of 11 to drag Bangladesh to a fighting total.
Nathan Ellis and Christian picked up two wickets each. Ashton Turner, Ashton Agar and Adam Zampa claimed three wickets between them.
Australia sent Christian instead of Ben McDermott to open the innings along with Matthew Wade. Christian was beaten through the gate by Nasum Ahmed in the second over. The in-form Mitchell Marsh soon ended up being Nasum’s second victim.
Wade’s dismissal in the eighth over by Shakib opened the floodgates. Except McDermott, who made 17, none of the batters following Wade could touch the double-digit figure. The last seven batters could only manage 15 runs between them.
Shakib ended the match with terrific figures of 3.4-1-9-4 and was adjudged Player of the Match. He also became the second bowler, after Lasith Malinga, to take 100 wickets in Men’s T20I cricket. Saifuddin was equally impressive, picking up three wickets.
Brief scores: Bangladesh 122/8 in 20 overs (Mohammad Naim 23; Nathan Ellis 2-16) beat Australia 62 in 13.4 overs (Matthew Wade 22; Shakib Al Hasan 4-9) by 60 runs. Player of the Match: Shakib Al Hasan
Bangladesh won the series by 4-1. Player of the Series: Shakib Al Hasan