Bangladesh captain Mahmudullah masterminded a thrilling 10-run victory in the third Twenty20 International to propel his side to their maiden series win over Australia on Friday.
After taking an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series in Dhaka, Bangladesh’s youth team fell into each other’s arms in disbelief on their biggest night in cricket.
Bangladesh had never beaten Australia in T20 before this week. It was their first series win over their acclaimed opponents in any format.
“I am very proud. The boys stood up at a crucial time,” said the captain, who had a foundation of 127 for nine in Bangladesh’s 20 overs of 52.
While Mitchell Marsh and Ben McDermott (35), who scored 51 runs, threatened to see Australia win in an empty stadium, Bangladesh’s bowlers held back when they scored runs in the final overs.
Left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman conceded just nine runs in his four overs.
Australia scored 117 for four, losing by 10 runs to the frustration of their captain Matthew Wade.
Even a hat-trick from young bowler Nathan Ellis on his debut could not take away the team and their disappointment.
“Very disappointing,” was a series after Wade’s decision of the match and his T20I series defeat in the West Indies last month.
While they have been without Steve Smith, David Warner and Pat Cummins, there are still concerns in the Australian camp.
“We’d like to fix a few things,” Wade admitted.
Mahmudullah won the toss and surprisingly elected to bat after a rain delay of over 90 minutes.
He was his side’s top scorer with his patient knock of 53 balls but was also the first scalp for Ellis who came to rest pacer Mitchell Starc and made his mark in the last three balls.
As Bangladesh went for a big hit, Mustafizur was caught by Marsh and Mahedi Hasan was caught by Ashton Agar at deep square.
In reply, Marsh and McDermott put on 63 runs for the third wicket but then the slow Dhaka wicket again took a toll. Scoring became impossible as they were in the first two matches that Bangladesh won by 35 runs and five wickets.
Bangladesh players danced across the field in celebration of a new boost to their international status in a Twenty20 World Cup year.
They have now won seven T20Is in a row and the night’s win was even more impressive as it was the lowest score they had ever defended to win.
Mahmudullah said the side had sat down for serious talks after the recent series win in Zimbabwe.
“We thought we were a good team, although the rankings don’t show that,” he said. Bangladesh is currently ranked 10th by the International Cricket Council.
About the country’s prospects in the World Cup to be held in the United Arab Emirates in October-November, he said, “We just have to play with a big heart and a balanced mind and show our skills.”
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