* Aussie skipper Cummins records a hat-trick – Super 8 (Match 44)
By Dwayne Ferreira
Australia secured a commanding victory over Bangladesh in their Super Eight opener of the T20 World Cup 2024, thanks to stellar performances from Adam Zampa and Pat Cummins, followed by a strong batting display led by David Warner.
Australia 100 for 2 (Warner 53*) beat Bangladesh 140 for 8 (Shanto 41, Hridoy 40, Cummins 3-29) by 28 runs (DLS method)
Adam Zampa once again proved his worth in the middle overs, disrupting Bangladesh’s batting momentum. Pat Cummins then clinched a hat-trick at the death, restricting Bangladesh to a modest total of 140 for 8 on a slow North Sound pitch that favored spinners.
Despite a solid 58-run second-wicket partnership between Litton Das and Najmul Hossain Shanto, Bangladesh struggled to build on it, succumbing to Australia’s disciplined bowling attack.
David Warner and Travis Head provided Australia with a rapid start, accumulating 65 runs in the first 6.5 overs. Although Bangladesh’s spinners managed to slow the scoring rate, Australia remained comfortably ahead. When rain interrupted play, Australia was 28 runs ahead according to the DLS method, sealing their victory.
At 57 for 1 after eight overs, Bangladesh appeared poised to accelerate. However, Zampa’s fast arm ball bowled Litton Das as he attempted a sweep shot, and later, a fast leg break trapped top-scorer Shanto in front of the stumps. Zampa’s figures of 2 for 24 from four overs were instrumental in halting Bangladesh’s progress.
In the final overs, Bangladesh could only muster 23 runs, largely due to Cummins’ superb bowling. His first two wickets came from back-of-a-length deliveries outside off, with Mahmudullah and Mahedi Hasan falling to mistimed shots. Cummins completed his hat-trick with a slower ball that deceived Towhid Hridoy, who scooped it to short fine leg. This marked Australia’s fourth T20I hat-trick and their second in a World Cup, the first being Brett Lee’s in 2007, also against Bangladesh.
Australia’s openers wasted no time in asserting dominance. Warner hit a reverse sweep for four off Mahedi Hasan’s second ball, and both he and Head capitalized on Taskin Ahmed’s fourth over with straight boundaries and a six over cow corner. They racked up 59 runs in the powerplay, setting a solid foundation for the chase. Despite losing Head and another wicket to Bangladesh leg spinner Rishad Hossain, Warner’s unbeaten 53 ensured Australia remained well ahead of the required rate.
Australia’s comprehensive performance in all departments gave them a winning start to the Super Eight stage, setting a strong tone for their World Cup campaign.
Chief Scores
Bangladesh 140 for 8 in 20 overs (Najmal Hossain Shanto 41, Towhid Hridoy 40, Pat Cummins 3 for 29, Adam Zampa 2 for 24)
Australia 100 for 2 in 11.2 overs (David Warner 53 not out, Travis Head 31, Rishad Hossain 2 for 23)
Player of the Match – Pat Cummins
