DHAKA, June 15, 2026 (BSS)—Bangladesh ODI side’s noticeable shift in mentality and growing squad depth, particularly in their pace bowling unit came into the fore following a competitive series against Australia, said captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
                       
“We showed our depth and resilience under pressure in the series,” Miraz said after the completion of the three-match ODI series. “All of the players contributed in the team’s victory. We played as a unit, showing our ability to claw back into our way from dire strait,” he added.

The hosts won the series 2-1, registering their fourth successive ODI series. Bangladesh played like real Tigers in the series, showing an absolute domination against five-time champions Australia. They might loss the third ODI but not before giving Australia torrid time on the field.

Bangladesh’s bench strength, particularly in pace department, was something to cherish in this series.

Although left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam was left out of the playing XI in the first two matches, Bangladesh secured victories in both, with their seamers performing effectively. 

He was brought into the side for the final match, with Nahid Rana rested after a strong run of performances across recent series.

Shoriful made an immediate impact, claiming six wickets and playing a decisive role in swinging momentum in Bangladesh’s favour during the closing stages of the match.
 
His performance further demonstrated the growing competition within Bangladesh’s pace attack, which also features Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman.

Despite Shoriful’s stellar effort, Australia edged a tense contest, winning with just three balls and one wicket remaining after a late surge led by Cooper Connolly, who struck three consecutive sixes to bring the equation down to nine runs from 30 balls. Bangladesh, however, remained in contention until the final overs.

Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz said the series reflected growing confidence within the squad.

According to him, the opposition players were beginning to get the taste of Bangladesh’s improved competitiveness.

“We are getting respect from them. They are talking about our bowlers and batters. This shows our progress,” Miraz said, adding that the side hopes to carry the momentum into upcoming tournaments, including the Asia Cup and the World Cup.

Middle order batter Mosaddek Hossain Saikat also made a strong return to the ODI setup after a long absence, contributing consistently with both bat and ball. He was named Man of the Series after scoring 157 runs in three matches at a strike rate exceeding 150, alongside two wickets.

Other notable contributions came from Liton Das, who registered his first half-century at Mirpur in over a decade-long international career, and Towhid Hridoy, who impressed with 154 runs at an average of 77 to earn the MVP award for the series.

The series also marked a strategic shift in Bangladesh’s approach to home conditions, with the team increasingly opting for more sporting pitches rather than traditionally slow surfaces, an adjustment credited for better preparation against the top opposition like Australia.

While Bangladesh fell short in the final match, the overall performance across the series has been viewed internally as a sign of progress, particularly in terms of squad depth, resilience under pressure, and adaptability in high-intensity situations.