Australia continued their winning run in the 2024 T20 World Cup, in West Indies and the USA, with a comfortable 28-run win (DLS method) over Bangladesh in the Super 8 clash on Thursday (June 20, local time). Opting to bowl first at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua, Mitchell Marsh & Co. rode on Pat Cummins’ hattrick (3 for 29) and Adam Zampa’s 2 for 24 to restrict Bangladesh to 140/8 before they were 100-2, in 11.2 overs, when rain stopped play. By being way ahead in terms of the DLS par score, the 2021 champions, thus, picked up two crucial points in the Super 8 encounter.

With the ball, Australia meant business from the word go. Mitchell Starc removed opener Tanzid Hasan to create history, becoming the highest wicket-taker in World Cups (ODI and T20I) by taking his tally to 95. Zampa, Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis also chipped in before Cummins’ three successive scalps, which made him only the second Aussie to take a T20 WC hat-trick, dented the Bangla Tigers further. 

Chasing a modest 141, David Warner and Travis Head were in their element from the beginning. The two southpaws made the most of the powerplays as Australia were well-placed at 59 for no loss in six overs. With rain making its presence felt during the mid-innings, the Australian camp had an eye on the DLS par score and played at their aggressive best.

When rain returned during the 12th over, Australia were way ahead of the DLS par score (which required them to be at 72 for 2) as they won by 28 runs. Warner remained unbeaten on a 35-ball 53 along with Maxwell (6-ball 14*).

Thus, Australia remain unbeaten in the 20-nation tournament, along with India and South Africa, and will now face Afghanistan at the Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown, St Vincent on Saturday (June 22, local time). They are placed in Group 1 along with Bangladesh, Afghanistan and India.