JUNE 20, 2019
Brief Scorecard: Australia 381 for 5 (Warner 166, Khawaja 89, Finch 53, Soumya 3-58) beat Bangladesh 333 (Mushfiqur 102*, Mahmudullah 69, Tamim 62) by 48 runs
Nottingham, ENGLAND – David Warner firmly stamped his authority on the World Cup 2019 as he hit a blazing 166 to set up Australia’s 48-run victory over Bangladesh in their encounter at Trent Bridge on Thursday. Set a target of 382 to win, Bangladesh were always looking at a tough task as they kept losing wickets at regular wickets to muster 333/8 in 50 overs.
Having won the toss and opting to bat first, Warner and skipper Aaron Finch (53) put on a 121-run stand for the 1st wicket, punishing the bowlers all over the park. The surprise element for Bangladesh was part-time bowler Soumya Sarkar who picked 3/58 off his 8 overs to five Bangladesh some respite.
After Finch departed, new batsman Usman Khawaja (89) joined Warner to post a 192-run partnership to put the match beyond Bangladesh’s reach. There was a time when Warner looked good for a 200 but he fell while trying to scoop a bouncer from Sarkar. Glenn Maxwell then provided the innings the required impetus by hitting 32 off just 10 balls, before being run-out by a direct-hit from Rubel Hossain.
Alex Carey (11*) and Marcus Stoinis (17*) then pulled the team total to 381, despite rain arriving at the end of the 49th over.
In reply, Bangladesh lost Sarkar early to a direct-hit from Aaron Finch, which brought last match’s hero Shakib al Hasan to the crease. In combination with Tamim Iqbal, the duo posted 79 runs together to bring Bangladesh over 100. Shakib (41) fell soon after leaving the responsibility of the chase on Tamim and the rest. Tamim didn’t disappoint as he held firm at one end before being bowled by Mitchell Starc for 62. Liton Das (20) too fell while trying to up the ante.
Mushfiqur Rahim celebrates his century. – Getty Images
At 175/4 in the 30th over, Mahmudullah joined Mushfiqur in the middle and the pair played together some audacious shots to string together an 127-run partnership for the 5th wicket. Their smart hitting made the Australians briefly nervous as the last powerplay ensued. Bangladesh needed 82 off the last 5 overs and though it looked improbable, the presence of the 2 batsmen at the crease made the side believe.
But the hope was shortlived as Mahmudullah perished trying to heave a bouncer from Nathan Coulter-Nile, being caught by Pat Cummins at deep-square-leg. Sabbir Rahman was out for a first-ball duck on the next delivery leaving the chase in tatters.
Thereon, Mushfiqur tried his best – while bringing up his century from 95 balls – but due to lack of a proper batting partner at the other end, he could only watch as his side fell short by 48 runs.
Courtesy/Source: India Today
