Australia captain Josh Inglis cut a disappointed figure after his side slumped to an 86-run defeat against Bangladesh in the opening ODI in Dhaka, a result that marked Australia’s first loss to Bangladesh in the format in 21 years.
Arriving in Bangladesh without several first-choice players, Australia were outplayed in all facets of the game at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium as Bangladesh produced a clinical display to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
The hosts were powered by a brilliant unbeaten 86 from Mosaddek Hossain, who marked his return to the ODI side after four years with the highest score of his career. The all-rounder then capped a memorable outing by claiming two wickets, while pace spearhead Nahid Rana tore through Australia’s batting order with figures of 4 for 41.
Bangladesh vs Australia, 1st ODI: Highlights from Dhaka
Australia’s fielding proved costly throughout the contest. They dropped four catches, including three opportunities offered by Mosaddek, allowing Bangladesh to recover from early setbacks and post a competitive 284 for 8.
“A pretty disappointing total on our part. Obviously, we probably dropped four or five catches. And 284, if it was somewhere around 230 or 240, I thought it was very chaseable. But it was a disappointing day all around,” Inglis said during the post-match presentation ceremony.
The Australian captain, however, reserved praise for fast bowler Nathan Ellis, who was one of the few bright spots for the visitors. Ellis finished with three wickets and consistently troubled Bangladesh’s batters throughout the innings.
“I thought Nathan was excellent again. I thought he performed very well in all three phases of the game. He used his change-ups and maneuvered his field well. He had a really good day out,” Inglis added.
Bangladesh made a confident start despite losing Saif Hassan early to Ellis. Tanzid Hasan provided momentum at the top, racing to 54 off 41 deliveries and punishing anything short or wide. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto maintained the pressure with a composed 67 before Mosaddek took control of the innings.
Fresh from a productive domestic season, Mosaddek began cautiously before accelerating through the middle and death overs. He shared a crucial 75-run partnership with Towhid Hridoy and added another 45 with Taskin Ahmed, helping Bangladesh push beyond the 280-mark. His innings featured inventive strokeplay, including reverse hits and a towering six off Adam Zampa.
Australia’s chase unravelled almost immediately. Taskin Ahmed struck with the first ball of the innings, beating Matthew Short with a sharp delivery that crashed into the stumps. Mustafizur Rahman followed up by trapping Marnus Labuschagne lbw, reducing the visitors to 2 for 2 and putting them on the back foot from the outset.
Cooper Connolly and Inglis attempted to rebuild, but Nahid Rana’s extra pace and bounce proved decisive. The Bangladesh quick removed the Australian captain before returning to dismiss Alex Carey and expose the lower order. Mosaddek joined the act by bowling Connolly and later removing Matt Renshaw as Australia’s hopes faded rapidly.
Reflecting on the failed chase, Inglis pointed to the lack of substantial partnerships as a key factor behind the defeat.
“The discussions were just playing cricket shots. I think it was a pretty good wicket out there. But obviously losing two really early doesn’t help. And then we had guys get in throughout the innings, but no one really went on and put on a really big score. And we didn’t have a really big partnership to sort of get us close,” Inglis said.
Cameron Green offered some resistance with a fighting half-century, his fourth in ODI cricket, but by then the result was beyond doubt. Rain and lightning eventually prevented a formal finish, with the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method confirming Bangladesh’s 86-run victory.
“We have had a look at the conditions now, not great today, but we have another chance in a couple of days,” Inglis said, looking ahead to the remainder of the series.
– Ends
