ICC T20 World Cup 2016: Australia vs Bangladesh - 5 Talking Points
Steve Smith won the toss and opted to chaseAfter a narrow defeat to New Zealand at the picturesque Dharamsala, Australia needed a victory to keep their chances intact in the World T20. Another loss here would have left them to fate’s hands as Steve Smith’s side arrived at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore.Also read: Australia vs Pakistan, ICC T20 WC 2016: LIVE streaming info, prediction, squads, match date and match timeFor Bangladesh, it was the same situation as they had lost badly to Pakistan at the Eden Gardens which meant that their net run-rate took a bad hit. However, the more worrying news was the suspension of key bowlers in Taskin Ahmed and Arafat Sunny.To make matters worse, Tamim Iqbal mysteriously fell sick leaving a gaping hole at the top of the order. Skipper Mashrafe Mortaza put on a brave face and talisman Mustafizur Rahman was drafted in despite not being fully fit.Australia began well and picked up wickets regularly to put Bangladesh on the back foot who recovered due to some late hitting from Mahmudullah. Usman Khawaja’s class overcame an admirable fightback from Mortaza’s team as the Aussies scraped together a three-wicket victory.
#1 Vagaries of T20Is catch up with Watson
Shane Watson is often ridiculed for his technical issues in Test cricket. But, in limited-overs, there are very few all-rounders who contribute as much to their team’s cause as the 34-year old does to Australia.
Entrusted with the new-ball, the burly cricketer did not disappoint his captain as he picked up Soumya Sarkar in his second delivery. Returning in the final over the Power-Play, Watson dismissed the talented Sabbir Rahman.
Those two early wickets caused a significant dent in the Bangladesh batting lineup. He also came back in the end overs to complete his quota. Even though he started well in his second spell, the seasoned campaigner gave away 17 runs in his last over which ruined his figures.
Watson, the batsman had a mixed day as he failed to make a dropped catch count and was run-out courtesy a sharp throw from Sabbir. His tryst with both bat and ball showed that the format’s nature requires everyone to be constantly on their toes.