AUS VS BAN T20I

Right then, Australia are up and running in the Super 8s. They have given their NRR an early boost, taking them above India at the top of the standings in Group 1. Next up on Friday, June 21, the defending champions, England, will be in action as they take on South Africa at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, St Lucia. The game will start at 8 pm IST (2.30 pm GMT), but our build-up will begin much sooner. See you then. Cheers!

Mitchell Marsh, the Australian skipper says that it was a solid bowling performance and the boys played really well. Adds that they have a settled playing XI and the team has the capacity to go all the way. Ends by sharing that they have an amazing group and all are raring to go.

The captain of Bangladesh, Najmul Hossain Shanto says that the wicket was on the slower side but was a good one to bat on. Feels that they should have tried to get at least 170. Adds that they should have tried to take more risks. Shares that he is enjoying the captaincy role and hopes to contribute more with the bat. Tells that the top order getting runs was important in this game and hopes that bowlers can continue the good work in the next game against India.

Pat Cummins is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his hat-trick. He finished with figures of 3 for 29 from his 4 overs. He says that he forgot about the hat-trick but Marcus Stoinis came in and reminded him. Adds that getting the set batter out worked in their favour. Shares that the Hat-trick club is good to be a part of and he is really happy to start the Super 8s with a win with a healthy net run rate.

Earlier in the game, after electing to bowl first, Mitchell Starc gave Australia an early breakthrough. Litton Das had a real struggle out in the middle, taking 10 balls to open the account. Najmul Hossain Shanto started positively and a good 5th and 6th over meant that Bangladesh had a decent Powerplay. Das couldn't really get out of the rut and the experiment to promote Rishad Hossain did not quite work out for the Asian side. Just as Bangladesh wanted to put their foot on the gas, Shanto's departure pegged them back. Towhid Hridoy fought a lone battle to keep Bangladesh afloat, but Pat Cummins' hat-trick thwarted their hopes for a late flourish. A late contribution from Taskin Ahmed helped Bangladesh get to 140. Pat Cummins became the 7th bowler, but only the 2nd Australian bowler after Brett Lee, to pick up a hat-trick in Men's T20 World Cups. Adam Zampa chipped in with a couple of wickets while Mitchell Starc, Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis took one wicket each.

With the bat, Bangladesh could never really hit top gear, resulting in a below-par total. This meant they were on the hunt for early inroads. While Mahedi Hasan bowled a decent opening spell, the pacers struggled with their lines and lengths during the Powerplay. Moreover, David Warner made them pay for dropping him when he was on 5. The rain break came at a crucial time for Bangladesh, as they were under pressure. Upon resumption, Rishad Hossain struck in successive overs, providing his side with a much-needed opening. However, they could not build pressure on the opposition as they failed to squeeze in quiet overs and eventually succumbed to a loss.

Longest winning streak for Australia in T20Is: 8 - Feb 2024 to June 2024 | 8 - Feb 2019 to Feb 2020

Having limited Bangladesh down to 140, it was a job well done for Australia with the ball. While chasing, David Warner got off the blocks quickly and Travis Head followed suit soon after. A strong Powerplay for Australia ensured they had the required rate under control. Despite losing Head and Marsh in quick succession, Warner kept going and Maxwell played his part too to take the wind out of Bangladesh's sails. When the rain arrived again, Australia were well ahead of the DLS par score and no further play was possible, resulting in them securing the two points.

That's all, folks! Rain has had the final say! Not the kind of finish any of us wanted to the game but the latest bout of rain was too strong, and the players could not get back on the field. AUSTRALIA WIN BY 28 RUNS (DLS METHOD). Deservingly so, Australia were always in control of the chase and have gotten their Super 8 campaign off to a winning start.

UPDATE - 9.44 am IST (4.14 am GMT) - We have started to lose overs now. More covers are brought in as the rain gets heavier at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. The cut-off time for the play to resume is 10.15 am IST (4.45 am GMT).

Warner goes past Gayle for most 50s in T20 World Cups 14 - Virat Kohli | 10 - Rohit Sharma | 8 - David Warner* | 7 - Chris Gayle

UPDATE - 9.29 am IST (3.59 am GMT) - Oh No! The rain has returned. It's been that kind of day. The covers are back and off go the players. Australia are in a commanding position and are 28 runs ahead of the DLS par score. It's raining heavily now and we might be in for a longer delay.

Digs it in short, over middle, David Warner hurriedly pulls it flat and on the bounce to deep square leg for a single. 100 comes up for Australia.

SIX! As easy as you like! What a way to get FIFTY! David Warner is making Bangladesh for the dropped catch when he was on 5. Taskin serves it too straight, full and on the pads, David Warner stays still at the point of contact and whips it over deep square leg for a biggie.

Missed out! Juicy full toss, on off, Glenn Maxwell cracks the drive but picks out the man at extra cover. A couple of inches to the left or right would have been a boundary for Maxwell.

Tosses it up again, low full toss, outside off, Glenn Maxwell drags it from outside off and hits it to the right of long on. Tanzim Hasan Sakib sprints and dives to his right to save the boundary. Two runs taken.

SIX! Thumped flat and over the fence! Rishad floats it up, right in the slot, around off, Glenn Maxwell goes against the turn and brings his bottom hand into play. Smacks it flat and to the right of long on for a 74-metre hit.

On a fullish length and gives the ball air again does Rishad Hossain, on middle and leg, David Warner flicks it through mid-wicket for one.