Bangladesh Fall Short Against Australia in the Race to the Semifinals

It was a fiery contest at Mong Kok in Hong Kong, but Bangladesh were the ones who got burned. In the first quarterfinal of the Hong Kong International Sixes Tournament, the Tigers suffered a heavy 54-run defeat against Australia, ending their campaign in the event.

Losing the toss, Australia batted first and piled up 149 runs for 2 wickets in 6 overs. In reply, Bangladesh could only manage 95 for 5, never really recovering from the early onslaught by the Australian bowlers.

Australia’s innings was lit up by two blistering fifties. Opener Ben McDermott smashed 8 sixes in a 14-ball 51 before retiring hurt, while captain Alex Cross blasted 7 sixes and a four to reach 50 off just 11 balls before also retiring. William Bosisto added the finishing touches with a quickfire 30 off 6 deliveries.

Bangladesh’s spinners bore the brunt of the assault. Rakibul Hasan conceded 24 runs in the opening over but did manage to dismiss opener Jack Wood. In the next over, Mosaddek Hossain was hit for four sixes and gave away 25 runs, though he managed to remove Bosisto. None of the other bowlers could contain the run flow. Abu Haider bowled the most economical over, conceding 18 runs. Habibur Rahman’s over went for 34 runs, featuring five sixes and a four from Cross. Haider’s final over also yielded 28 runs.

Chasing a mammoth target of 150, Bangladesh’s hopes evaporated within the first over. Chris Green struck thrice in his opening spell, removing Habibur Rahman, captain Akbar Ali, and Zisan Alam. Mosaddek also fell early, leaving Bangladesh struggling at 28 for 4 after two overs.

Abu Haider Rony offered some late resistance, remaining unbeaten on 50 off 18 balls with 7 sixes and 2 fours. Rakibul Hasan added 25 off 10 balls, but by then, the match was well out of Bangladesh’s reach.

With this victory, Australia advanced to the semifinals, where they will face Pakistan, who defeated South Africa by 5 wickets in the second quarterfinal.