DHAKA, June 17, 2026 (BSS) - Australia's spinners weaved a tight web around 
Bangladesh to guide the visitors to a four-wicket victory in the opening 
match of the three-match T20 International series at Bir Shrestha Shahid 
Flight Lieutenant Motiur Rahman Stadium today.

Leg-spinner Adam Zampa and left-arm spinner Joel Davis claimed three wickets 
apiece as Australia bowled Bangladesh out for 131 in 19 overs before reaching 
133-6 in 18.2 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

Part-time off-spinner Matt Renshaw took two wickets, while leg-spinner Nikhil 
Chaudhary, who became the first India-born male cricketer to represent 
Australia in 60 years, chipped in with one wicket. Pacer Spencer Johnson 
claimed the remaining wicket.

Australia's spin quartet accounted for nine of Bangladesh's 10 wickets, 
completely stifling the hosts after stand-in captain Towhid Hridoy won the 
toss and opted to bat first.

Hridoy, leading the side in the absence of injured skipper Liton Das, could 
not make a significant impact and was dismissed for eight as Bangladesh 
slipped to 57-3.

No Bangladesh batter managed to cope with Australia's disciplined attack. 
Opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim made 10 before Johnson struck in the third over, 
while Saif Hasan looked comfortable for his 20 before falling to Renshaw.

Zampa and Davis then sparked a dramatic collapse as Bangladesh lost five 
wickets for just 40 runs.

Lower-order batter Mahedi Hasan top-scored with 29 runs, offering some 
resistance and helping the hosts push their total beyond 130 after appearing 
destined for a much lower score.

In reply, Australia suffered early setbacks when returning captain Mitchell 
Marsh and wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis departed in quick succession.

However, all-rounder Cooper Connolly, fresh from his match-winning 149 in the 
final ODI, continued his rich vein of form with a brisk 47 off 27 balls, 
featuring four fours and three sixes.

Connolly shared a valuable 40-run partnership with Tim David (20) for the 
fourth wicket to steer Australia toward the target.

Left-arm pacer Abdul Gaffar provided Bangladesh with some hope, claiming the 
wickets of Connolly and Renshaw to finish with 2-32 on his international 
debut.

But Australia remained in control, and Xavier Bartlett sealed the victory 
with a boundary through mid-off off Gaffar.

The second T20 International will be played at the same venue on Friday.