Bangladesh secured a historic 86-run victory (DLS method) against Australia in the first ODI of the series at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. This marks only the second time Bangladesh has ever defeated the Australians in men's ODI cricket, reversing a 21-year drought since their maiden win in Cardiff in 2005.

Winning the toss, Australia opted to bowl. Even though Saif Hassan fell early, Najmul Hossain Shanto (67) and Tanzid Hasan Tamim (54) built a strong foundation for the hosts. They built a partnership of 96 in 91 balls, dismantling the Aussie bowlers. But the pomp and show of the innings was Mosaddek Hossain’s fairytale comeback after four years in the ODI squad and playing a scintillating innings. Mosaddek Hossain anchored the innings with a career-best unbeaten 86 off 70 balls. Only Nathan Ellis took 3 wickets, whereas Australia had a sloppy fielding display, dropping Mosaddek multiple times, gaining criticism.

Coming down to chase 284, only Alex Carey and Cameron Green were able to produce a respectable total in front of Bangladesh pacers. Pacer Nahid Rana took a blistering 4 for 41, regularly speeding over 150 km/h to dismantle the Australian middle order. Mosaddek Hossain also took 2 wickets, and such a comeback performance handed him the player of the match award at Dhaka.

‘As a captain, I’m really happy’: Bangladesh Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz after historic ODI win

Following a massive victory against Australia, Bangladesh ODI captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz expressed immense confidence in his squad, as earlier, too, he showered belief on his team to do well against Australia, even supporting the inclusion of Mosaddek Hossain. He appreciated efforts from Mosaddek, Taskin Ahmed, Shanto and Tamim, hoping that they would keep the momentum in the upcoming matches.

“We are really happy because of the way we batted. I’m really excited at the moment. Tamim and Shanto batted really well, but they got out a bit early. The way Mosaddek and Taskin batted at the end felt really good,” said the Bangladesh captain.

Appreciating Mosaddek, he added, “It’s been difficult for Mosa as he came back after a long time, and the way he showed his performance was excellent. I think he needed to perform that way at that moment. As a captain, I’m really happy, and we need to keep going and maintain the momentum.”

Bangladesh will play the second ODI of the series against Australia on 11th June at Dhaka.