Marsh’s blistering knock seals series whitewash

Captain Mitchell Marsh blasted a quickfire 60 off just 28 deliveries as Australia completed a 3-0 T20I series whitewash over Bangladesh, cruising to a seven-wicket victory at Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Cricket Stadium in Chattogram on Sunday.

Having already secured the series with wins in the first two matches, Australia made light work of the final fixture, chasing down Bangladesh’s modest total of 109-8 in only 11 overs.

Earlier, stand-in captain Towhid Hridoy produced a lone resistance with an unbeaten 61 from 51 balls to help Bangladesh recover from a disastrous start.

Australia’s chase got off to a flying start as Marsh and Josh Inglis attacked the Bangladesh pace bowlers from the outset, racing to a 54-run opening partnership.

Left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed briefly stemmed the flow of runs, dismissing Inglis for 17 after a disciplined spell. Marsh, however, continued his assault, bringing up his 14th T20I half-century in just 23 balls. He eventually fell to Shoriful Islam after hammering seven fours and four sixes in his 60-run knock.

Cooper Connolly added 15 before becoming Rishad Hossain’s lone victim, but Matthew Renshaw and Tim David wrapped up the chase with ease. Renshaw remained unbeaten on six, while David smashed 12 off just three balls, including two sixes.

Nasum, Shoriful and Rishad claimed one wicket each for Bangladesh.

Earlier, Bangladesh’s innings never gained momentum despite Hridoy’s determined effort. The hosts suffered early setbacks, beginning with the run-out of opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim for five in the second over after a deflection from Spencer Johnson’s bowling struck the stumps.

Saif Hassan managed only one, while Parvez Hossain Emon also fell for one, leaving Bangladesh struggling at 11-3.

Hridoy then attempted to rebuild the innings, sharing useful stands with Nurul Hasan, Rishad Hossain and Shoriful Islam. However, wickets continued to tumble regularly at the other end, preventing Bangladesh from posting a competitive total.

The right-hander remained unbeaten on 61, striking three fours and three sixes to register his seventh T20I half-century.

For Australia, Spencer Johnson, Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa claimed two wickets apiece as the visitors wrapped up the series in dominant fashion.