DHAKA: A bruised and battered Australia took a consolation win by thrashing hosts Bangladesh by seven wickets to round off their disappointing World Twenty20 campaign here on Tuesday.
Openers Aaron Finch (71) and David Warner (48) set the foundation for Australia’s win with a quick 98-run opening partnership while chasing a competitive 153 for five set by Bangladesh in their last Group 2 league match at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.
Finch’s blistering half-century came off 45 balls and had seven hits to the fence and four over it, while Warner faced 35 balls for his 48-run knock and struck five fours and three huge sixes. They shared 98 runs in 11.2 overs that took the game away from Bangladesh.
The duo tore apart Bangladesh’s bowling attack with their power hitting. Except for debutant Taskin Ahmed, the other bowlers of the home team conceded over eight runs an over.
While Hossain picked up Finch and Warner’s wickets, Ahmed was rewarded for his fine bowling as he cleaned up Glenn Maxwell to finish with figures of one for 24 from four overs.
Cameron White was unbeaten on 18, while captain George Bailey (11 not out) finished off Australia’s chase in style, clobbering Hossain for a four and six as Australia made 158 for three in 17.3 overs.
With both Australia and Bangladesh out of the semifinal reckoning, this was an inconsequential match.
But having lost to India, West Indies and Pakistan in their earlier group matches, a lot of pride was at stake for Australia and Bangladesh as both teams were desperate to register their first victory in the showpiece event.
Earlier, opting to bat, Bangladesh witnessed a wobbly start before Shakib Al-Hasan and skipper Mushfiqur Rahim shared a 112-run third-wicket partnership to take the hosts out of trouble. (PTI)
Brief scores:
Ban: 153/5, 20 overs (S Al Hasan 66, M Rahim 47; N Coulter-Nile 2-17)
Aus: 158/3, 17.3 overs (A Finch 71, D Warner 48; AA Hossain 2-30)
