Matt Renshaw produced the decisive innings in Chattogram, staying unbeaten on 89 as Australia edged Bangladesh by 7 runs in a tense second T20. The result gave Australia an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series after another high-scoring contest.
Australia reached 196-5, its highest T20 total against Bangladesh, before holding on as Bangladesh finished on 189-6. Renshaw also chipped in with the ball, taking 1-13, while Aaron Hardie claimed 2-40 in four overs.
Australia’s late surge sets the standard
After winning the toss, Mitchell Marsh and Josh Inglis gave Australia a steady start, but the innings shifted after Inglis fell leg before wicket to left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed. Fast bowler Nahid Rana then removed Marsh, leaving Australia 44-3 in the sixth over.
From there, Renshaw and Tim David took control with a 97-run partnership off just 50 balls for the fourth wicket. David struck 45 from 26 deliveries, including two fours and four sixes, before Abdul Gaffar’s slower ball ended the stand.
Renshaw then guided the lower order toward 200, striking four fours and five sixes in his 52-ball knock. He said the performance came down to trusting his method, adding, “I think it was just understanding the way that I wanted to play, trusting that, and fortunately, I got the rewards today.”
Bangladesh fights hard but falls short
Bangladesh kept the chase alive with a blistering start, posting 72-1 in the first six overs, their highest power-play score against Australia. Tanzid Hasan drove that early charge, though Renshaw broke through by taking a return catch to dismiss him for 30 off 15 balls.
Saif Hassan added 42 from 33 deliveries, but Australia’s spinners slowed the middle overs and helped squeeze the required rate. Bangladesh still came close, yet the visitors stayed ahead long enough to close out the win and take the series.
The third and final T20 will be played on Sunday, also in Chattogram, with Australia already assured of the series victory. The result extends a strong response after Bangladesh lost the first match by four wickets.
