Bangladesh produced a spirited batting display but ultimately fell just short of a record chase as Australia held their nerve to win the second T20 International in Chattogram by 7 runs.
Chasing a daunting 197, the hosts finished on 189 for six, with stand-in captain Towhid Hridoy offering a late burst of resistance. Hridoy struck 35 from 22 balls, including three boundaries and two sixes, and remained at the crease until the final over, but could not carry his side over the line.
In a tense finish, Hridoy targeted Australia’s Aaron Hardie with a series of aggressive strokes in the penultimate delivery exchanges. However, with eight required from the final ball, he attempted a big hit over the line but was caught, bringing an end to Bangladesh’s chase.
Bangladesh’s innings had earlier been built on quick scoring at the top. Tanzid Hasan made an early impact with a brisk 30 from 15 deliveries, while Saif Hassan anchored the innings with a composed 42 off 33 balls. Parvez Hossain Emon also contributed a rapid 36, striking multiple sixes to keep the required rate within reach.
Despite the strong start, Australia’s bowlers managed to apply pressure at key moments. Hardie led the attack with two wickets for 40 runs, while the rest of the unit chipped away to restrict momentum during the middle overs.
Earlier in the match, Australia posted a formidable 196 for 6 after being put in to bat. Their innings initially wobbled after early wickets, but a powerful fifth-wicket partnership between Matt Renshaw and Tim David shifted control firmly back to the visitors.
Renshaw played the leading role, scoring an unbeaten 89 from 52 deliveries, reaching his half-century in just 29 balls. He was dropped twice during his stay, and Bangladesh were made to pay heavily for those missed chances.
Tim David provided explosive support, striking 45 from 26 balls and punishing the bowling with a series of boundaries and sixes before falling to a mistimed shot near the boundary.
Their stand of 97 runs from just 50 balls lifted Australia to a commanding total that ultimately proved decisive.
Bangladesh had made a positive start with the ball. Nahid Rana struck early, Nasum Ahmed claimed a milestone 50th T20I wicket in his 50th appearance, and Mustafizur Rahman produced a sharp catch opportunity that removed Mitchell Marsh.
At 44 for three inside the power play, the home side appeared to be in control. However, momentum quickly shifted as Australia accelerated through the middle overs.
Rishad Hossain endured a difficult spell, conceding 46 runs without a wicket, while Abdul Gaffar Saqlain was heavily punished for 53 runs. Only Nasum Ahmed finished with respectable figures, taking two for 27.
Following their ODI series win, Bangladesh have now lost the three-match T20I series 2-0.
The final match will be played in Chattogram on Sunday.
