DHAKA, June 8, 2026 (BSS) - A confident Bangladesh will look to make a 
winning start when they take on Australia in the opening match of the three-
match ODI series tomorrow (Tuesday) at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket 
Stadium in Mirpur. The match begins at 11 AM Bangladesh time.

The series marks Australia's first ODI tour of Bangladesh in 15 years. During 
their previous visit in 2011, Australia swept the hosts 3-0 with ease.

Historically, Bangladesh have struggled against Australia in the 50-over 
format, winning just one of their 22 ODIs. Their lone victory came at Cardiff 
in 2005, inspired by a memorable century from Mohammad Ashraful, who now 
serves as Bangladesh's batting coach.

Australia remain the only major cricketing nation against whom Bangladesh 
have yet to register more than one ODI victory.

However, Bangladesh enter the series with renewed confidence following an 
impressive run of form at home. Over the past six months, they have secured 
ODI series victories against West Indies, Pakistan and New Zealand, 
reinforcing their reputation as a formidable side in home conditions.

The series offers Bangladesh another opportunity to prove their credentials 
against one of world cricket's traditional powerhouses, while also serving as 
important preparation for next year's ICC Cricket World Cup in South Africa.

"After a long time, we are going to play an ODI series against Australia. As 
a team, we are all very excited about it, and I am also very excited as a 
captain," Bangladesh skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz said.
 
"If we can start well, it will be positive for the team because every 
challenge is important for us."

Miraz made it clear that Bangladesh's ambition extends beyond merely 
competing.

"Our plan is very simple: play good cricket and win matches," he said.

Bangladesh prepare a green-top surface for the series, something shows 
growing confidence in a fast-bowling unit that has become team's major 
strengths.

Australia captain Josh Inglis observed that the pitch could provide 
assistance to seamers.

"We've had a look at the New Zealand series that was here. There looked to be 
a bit more grass on the wicket and the new ball tended to do a bit. It seemed 
more seam-friendly rather than spin-heavy. We'll take that into account, but 
we're ready for anything," Inglis said.

Australia will be without several senior players, including Travis Head and 
Mitchell Marsh. While feeling their absence, Inglis believes the tour 
provides a valuable opportunity to test younger players ahead of the World 
Cup.

"Anytime you take Mitch Marsh and Travis Head out of the team, you lose 
something because they're incredibly good players. But it's important that 
some younger guys get experience in these conditions. There is a World Cup on 
the horizon and it's important to look at different combinations before 
then," he said.

Inglis also backed Australia's pace attack despite suggestions that 
Bangladesh's bowlers could hold an advantage in home conditions.

"You take some big names out of our squad, but players like Nathan Ellis, 
Xavier Bartlett and Ben Dwarshuis have gained a fair bit of experience at 
this level. They're exciting bowlers and I'm looking forward to seeing what 
they can do in this series," he added.
 
The last ODI meeting between the two sides came during the 2023 World Cup 
when Mitchell Marsh smashed 177 off 132 balls to guide Australia to a 
successful chase of Bangladesh's 306-run total.

Bangladesh have won three of their last five ODI matches, while Australia 
have won two. The visitors arrive in Bangladesh following a 2-1 ODI series 
defeat to Pakistan.

Among the individual milestones on offer, Bangladesh batter Najmul Hossain 
Shanto needs 86 runs to reach 2,000 ODI runs, while Australian leg-spinner 
Adam Zampa requires three wickets to become the seventh Australian bowler to 
claim 200 ODI wickets.