The Tigers exhibited a valiant effort but still fell agonisingly short as Australia registered a nervy three-wicket win in their 2016 World Twenty20 Super 10 encounter at M Chinnaswamy Stadium yesterday.
Opening batsman Usman Khawaja laid the platform for his side, posting a brisk 45-ball 58, studded with seven fours and a six, and all-rounder James Faulkner (five not out) later put the finishing touch to guide the Aussies to their target of 157 with nine deliveries to spare.
Khawaja and all-rounder Shane Watson added 62 blistering runs for the opening wicket with the latter making a 15-ball 21 but the fall of regular wickets from thereon in saw Australia struggle before eventually reaching the destination.
Pace bowling sensation Mustafizur Rahman bowled superbly, accounting for the wickets of Australia captain Steve Smith (14) and Mitchell Marsh (six).
All-rounder Shakib al Hasan was also brilliant with the leather, picking up three wickets, but at the end it seemed like Bangladesh were at least 15-20 runs short.
Debutant Saqlain Sajib, coming into the side in place of the suspended Arafat Sunny, leaked 40 runs in 3.3 overs while Shuvagata Hom, who replaced the banned Taskin Ahmed, went wicketless in his two overs.
Earlier, Bangladesh set Australia a fighting target of 157 after Mahmudullah smashed a magnificent unbeaten 49.
The Tigers blasted 44 runs in the last three overs to post their highest ever T20I total against the Aussies. Mahmudullah executed some delightful strokes all around the ground and shifted the gear perfectly, remaining undefeated on 49 off just 27 balls featuring seven fours and a six.
Mushfiqur Rahim provided valuable support, making 15 off 11 deliveries, and added 51 runs alongside Mahmudullah for the unbroken sixth wicket partnership.
However, Bangladesh initially found run-scoring difficult after being asked to bat first by Smith. Soumya Sarkar (one) departed in just the second over while the in-form Sabbir Rahman (12) was dismissed in the sixth over.
Mohammad Mithun, opening the innings in place of regular fixture Tamim Iqbal who was ruled out of the game due to fever and a stomach ache, looked impressive, but soon made his way to the dressing room after making a 22-ball 23.
In came Shakib who set the tempo of the innings by hammering some lusty blows. Shakib scored 33 off 25 balls with the help of three fours and a six before Mahmudullah and Mushfiq took over.
Leg-spinner Adam Zampa was the pick of the Aussy bowlers with 3/23 while Watson took two wickets.
