BAN vs AUS

Bangladesh beat Australia in an ODI for the first time since 2005. While the win is special, what makes it even better is the manner in which it was secured. The hosts dominated and rattled the World Champions by pace.

That makes the next game — i.e. the 2nd of this 3-match ODI series — a must win for the Aussies. For not only the series, but their reputation too will be on line. Will they be able to bounce back? We will find out together on Thursday, June 11.

Till then, take care and keep following Sportskeeda for more sports-related action from around the world. This is the duo of Darpan and Pradeep signing off. Sayonara!

Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Bangladesh captain): "(His thoughts on the win) We are very happy. The way Shanto and Tamim batted, got me really excited. They were unfortunate to get out. But then Mosaddek and Taskin did really well. I think we could have done better. (On Mosaddek's comeback) It has been difficult for Mosaddek. But the way he has comeback shows his character. As a captain I am very happy."

Player of the Match: Mosaddek Hossain. Here's what he has to say: (On his return to the national side)Making a comeback after four years felt just as special as receiving his maiden national call-up. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and was delighted to mark his return with a Player of the Match performance.(On his batting approach)He acknowledged that batting conditions were not straightforward despite the surface being capable of producing a score in the 300-320 range. After the early wickets, he focused on backing his strengths and carried the confidence and approach that had served him well in domestic cricket. He was pleased to have contributed significantly to the team's cause.(On the team's performance and the road ahead)He viewed the match as a valuable opportunity and was satisfied with how both he and the team capitalized on it. Thanking the supporters for their continued encouragement, he hoped Bangladesh could carry the momentum forward and secure the series convincingly. He also expressed his desire to continue serving the national team with the same commitment for as long as his career lasts.

Josh Inglis [Australia captain]: (On Australia's defeat)It was a disappointing day all around. Conceding 284 felt like giving away too many runs, especially considering the number of chances that went down in the field. With a sharper effort, the target could have been considerably lower and much more manageable.(On the bowling performance)There were still positives to take from the game, particularly with the ball. Nathan Ellis was outstanding and stood up in all phases of the innings. He used his variations effectively, adjusted his fields smartly, and delivered a high-quality spell that kept Australia in the contest.(On the run chase)The message before the chase was simple: back yourselves and play your shots. The wicket offered good value for batting, but losing early wickets made the task significantly tougher. While several batters got starts, no one was able to convert them into a substantial innings, and the lack of a major partnership ultimately proved costly.(On bouncing back in the series)The focus now shifts quickly to the next game. The team has had a chance to assess the conditions and understand what is required. It wasn't Australia's day, but with the series still alive, there is an immediate opportunity to respond strongly and put things right in the next match.

8:01 PM local (7:31 PM IST): The play has been called off. Bangladesh win by 86 runs (DLS method) and go 1-0 up in the 3-match series.

Mosaddek Hossain 86* (70) & 2/37 (10) | Nahid Rana 4/41 (10)
Cameron Green 52* (66) | Nathan Ellis 3/38 (10)

Mark the date, cricket fans! Today will gain a special spot in the lore of Bangladesh cricket — almost as special as 18 June 2005, when they defeated Australia in an ODI last time. That win was obviously special, for it was an underdog toppling the World Champions. Today feels special too, but for different reasons.

Australia are still World Champions. However, Bangladesh are not an unheralded side anymore. They have won this one at home, in front of a loud and loyal crowd, on a pitch which wasn't a minefield by any means. They batted with resolve and vigour and then, got the better of the opposition with pace. The dominating nature of this victory suggests that this might be the start of something special.

Two men stood out. First was Mosaddek Hossain, who was playing an ODI after 4 years. His 86* (70) exuded confidence and self-belief — the kind that says that he is here to stay. Then, he contributed with a tidy 10-over spell which saw him get the better of Connolly and Renshaw and return 2/37. The splendid catch to dismiss Nathan Ellis was an icing on the cake.

The second was Nahid Rana. Yes, it was Taskin Ahmed who got a wicket with the first ball of the innings. Yes, it was Mustafizur Rahman's control that backed it up from the other end. In the 7th over, when Rana was thrown the ball to, Australia were already under pressure. However, he still impressed by taking things a notch above. The pace coupled with hard lengths and his aggression made life tough for the batters. He eventually picked 4 wickets — captain Josh Inglis, the experienced Alex Carey, debutant Liam Scott and Xavier Bartlett — and helped pin the opposition to the floor.

Of course there were other contributions too. Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Najmul Hossain Shanto got half-centuries, Mehidy Hasan Miraz bowled a tidy spell and Taskin Ahmed, apart from his bowling exploits, played an effervescent cameo of 20* (16) too. After all, it is a team sport.

Australia have plenty to ponder. Yes, Cameron Green got a half-century and Nathan Ellis and Matt Renshaw impressed with the ball. But overall, they have been totally outplayed. Their opening partnership has not managed a run in the last 3 games. In Pakistan, they were outdone by spin. Here, they have been rattled by pace. They have no other option than bouncing back in the next game. For, not just the series, but their reputation too will be on the line.

Sudhir Baazigar: "No team is good in these conditions... Bangladesh spinners are too much to handle"
Actually, Australia got undone by the Bangladesh pacers, Sudhir!

7:46 PM local (7:16 PM IST): Not much has changed over the last 20 minutes or so. A light drizzle continues to fall, the covers remain firmly over the main square, and there hasn't been any noticeable movement towards a restart just yet.

7:21 PM local (6:51 PM IST): The entire square and outfield are now under cover. There's still a light drizzle around, and the groundstaff remain busy ensuring everything stays protected as they wait for the weather to improve.

7:15 PM local (6:45 PM IST): More lightning flashes across the sky, and there's a noticeable sense of urgency around the ground. Fans are making their way indoors, while the groundstaff scramble to get the Hessian covers in place and shield the pitch from the worsening conditions.

7:05 PM local time, 6:35 PM IST: Play interrupted due to lightning. Some thunder in the background has prompted the umpires to pause the match. The players are going off the park.

Bangladesh are on the doorstep of a famous win. In fact, they have been for a while now. This last wicket partnership has now lasted nearly 6 overs. The 'required' equation still looks very stiff for the Aussies. They need 94 runs in 46 balls. Remember, the last time (and the only time before today) Bangladesh beat Australia in an ODI was in 2005 in Cardiff. 

42.2 Mustafizur Rahman to Adam Zampa, WIDE! Another terrific take from Litton. Banged in short, way over the batter's head. Litton times his jump and collects it one handed.

41.5 Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Adam Zampa, FOUR! Excellent shot now from Zampa, decides to play some shot. Length delivery on the off-stump, swept it beautifully over mid-wicket, one bounce into the ropes.