Australia take series lead after spin trio dismantles Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s bright start in the T20 opener ultimately dissolved into frustration as Australia’s spinners delivered a dazzling collective performance to secure a 4-wicket victory in Chattogram.

Despite early promise with the bat and flashes of intent in the powerplay at the Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Motiur Rahman Stadium, the hosts were gradually strangled by spin, collapsing against sustained pressure to hand Australia a 1-0 lead in the series.

In a masterclass spin bowling display, Australia’s spinners claimed nine wickets in an innings for the first time in T20Is, also marking the first instance of spinners combining for nine dismissals in a T20I in Bangladesh.

Adam Zampa led the charge with 3 for 26, bringing up 150 T20I wickets and becoming only the fifth leg-spinner in history to reach the landmark.

Debutant left-arm spinner Joel Davies matched him with an inspired 3-wicket debut.

Chasing 132, Australia were guided by Cooper Connolly’s brisk 47 off 27 balls -- his best T20I score -- and Tim David’s late flourish, as they reached the target with 10 balls to spare.

Bangladesh had begun with intent.

Saif Hassan twice pierced the infield early, while Tanzid Hasan briefly lifted the tempo before falling to Spencer Johnson.

Saif followed soon after, miscuing a big shot as Mitchell Marsh held a simple catch.

At 52 for 2 -- their highest powerplay total against Australia -- Bangladesh still held hope. That hope vanished once spin entered the attack.

Zampa struck immediately, bowling Towhid Hridoy with a googly before removing Soumya Sarkar in his next over via a looping catch at deep cover.

Davies then made an immediate impact on debut, striking with his second delivery as Parvez Hossain Emon sliced to deep point.

From there, wickets fell in clusters.

Renshaw chipped in with Shamim Hossain, Davies removed Abdul Gaffar Saqlain, and Nikhil Chaudhary’s sharp fielding added further pressure.

Bangladesh slid to 108 for 9 before Mahedi Hasan’s unbeaten 29 offered late resistance.

Australia’s chase was briefly checked by Shoriful Islam, who removed Josh Inglis early and later dismissed Connolly, but the visitors always remained ahead.

Marsh fell cheaply to Mustafizur Rahman, yet Connolly’s clean striking and David’s brute power ensured control never slipped.

Even a late cluster of wickets could not alter the outcome.

Australia’s depth and Bangladesh’s inability to counter spin defined the night, as the visitors eased home in Chattogram.