Cooper Connolly’s rapid 47 off 27 guided Australia to a four‑wicket win over Bangladesh in the first T20I in Chattogram, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead in the three‑match series.
Australia chased 132 with 10 balls to spare, finishing 133‑6 in 18.2 overs. Connolly rebuilt the innings after early losses, striking four fours and three sixes and sharing a 40‑run third‑wicket stand with Tim David (20). Debutant Abdul Gaffar Saqlain removed Connolly late, but Joel Davies and Xavier Bartlett held their nerve to see Australia home. Adam Zampa (3‑18) and debutant Joel Davies (3‑17) earlier starred with the ball as Bangladesh were bowled out for 131, with Australia’s spinners taking nine wickets the most by Australian spin bowlers in a T20I innings.
Bangladesh began brightly (52 in six overs) but collapsed to 131 all out as Mehidy Hasan finished unbeaten on 29. Saqlain (2‑32), Shoriful, Mustafizur, Mehidy and Rishad shared the remaining wickets for the hosts. Adam Zampa was named Player of the Match.
Score highlights:
- Bangladesh 131 (all out, 19 overs). Top: Mehidy 29*.
- Australia 133‑6 (18.2 overs). Top: Connolly 47 (27).
- Result: Australia won by four wickets.
- Series: Australia lead 1‑0.
Davies praised Australia’s tactical adaptation to smaller grounds in Bangladesh, while Bangladesh coach lamented a failure to build on a strong powerplay. The second T20I takes place later in the series as Bangladesh look to level up
