Adam Zampa and Joel Davies took three wickets each as Australia beat Bangladesh by four wickets in the opening match of their three-match T20 series, chasing 131 after Bangladesh were bowled out for 131 in 19 overs.
In the opening T20 of a three-match series, Australia walked into Bangladesh’s spin-heavy spell with their pursuit already shaped by numbers—131 to win—and then watched the match turn the moment their bowlers found their grip.
Adam Zampa and Joel Davies led the turnaround with three wickets apiece, steering Australia to a four-wicket victory over Bangladesh on Wednesday. Bangladesh were dismissed for 131 in 19 overs.
Bangladesh’s total carried a debut subplot too. Leg-spinner Nikhil Chaudhary, the first India-born male cricketer to represent Australia in 60 years, also took a wicket as the innings ended.
For Joel Davis, it was the kind of day that lingers long after the final ball. “I thought it might be spinning a little bit more than it actually did. but to still get enough out of the wicket…it’s been a childhood dream to play for Australia in any format. ” he said. “To get that done today was a massive achievement for me.”.
Australia’s chase, meanwhile, was built around Cooper Connolly’s timing and control. He hit 47 with four fours and three sixes to help Australia reach 133-6 in 18.2 overs.
Connolly had to keep his composure through a brief wobble. Australia lost Mitchell Marsh—back in the lineup after missing the ODIs because of an ankle injury—and also saw opener Josh Inglis fall in quick succession.
Even with those setbacks, Bangladesh never fully regained control. Abdul Gaffar did have a breakthrough, taking a debut wicket when he had Connolly caught after a 40-run stand with Tim David, who made 20. Gaffar finished with figures of 2-32.
Earlier, Bangladesh had elected to bat after Hridoy won the toss, but the innings never settled into a real fight. Tawhid Hriody led the side after Litton Das was ruled out because of a calf injury sustained during the third ODI.
Bangladesh were 39-1 in the fifth over, but Zampa and Davies then turned the pressure into collapse. The home team lost seven wickets for 60 runs.
The result leaves the series poised for the next swing of momentum. The second T20 is on Friday.
Australia vs Bangladesh T20 series Adam Zampa Joel Davies Nikhil Chaudhary Cooper Connolly Bangladesh 131 Australia 133-6
4 wickets win for Aus?? kinda wild cuz 131 sounds low.
So they chased 131 and still won by 4 wickets… that’s not how math works in my head lol. Bangladesh bowling must’ve been rough or Aussie just got lucky with spin?
I think this Nikhil guy is actually from Bangladesh too right? like they said India-born but represent Australia, so it’s confusing. Also Davies sounds like “Davis” and I swear I’ve seen that name before in other sports news.
Cooper Connolly hitting 47 and then a “brief wobble” and they still pulled it off… okay sure. Bangladesh was 39-1?? that’s basically over already, not surprised Zampa and Davies owned it. I just wish they showed more of the actual spin, because spin-heavy spell is doing a lot of heavy lifting in that article.