Ban Vs Aus 5th T20I: Australia hit new low in 144-year cricket history

Dhaka: The mighty Australian cricket team hit a new low on Monday (August 9) when it was defeated by Bangladesh in the fifth and final Twenty20 International at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.

With a 60-run victory, Bangladesh sealed the series 4-1 with all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan being the star for the host side. Shakib won both the Player-of-the-match and Player-of-the-series awards.

For the first time in the history of its 144-year cricket (since 1877), Australia was bowled out for the least number of overs – 13.4. This is the shortest Australian innings across formats.

The total of 60 all out on Monday is also its lowest in the history of T20Is. The previous lowest total was 79 in 14.3 overs against England in Southampton in 2005.

Electing to bat after winning the toss, Bangladesh was restricted to 122/8 in 20 overs. Opener Mohammad Naim was the top scorer with 23. Nathan Ellis and Dan Christian took two wickets apiece for the visiting side.

In reply, Australia was skittled out for 60 with Shakib taking 4/9 in 3.4 overs. Mohammad Saifuddin claimed three wickets.

On Monday, Shakib became the first player in T20I history to score 1,000 runs and take 100 wickets.

“I am still enjoying the game, that's the important thing. Thanks to my team-mates, this achievement wouldn't have been possible without their help. I think we played some really good cricket through two series, in Zimbabwe and here. Obviously the wicket was tough, but we held our nerve well. All in all, a team effort,” said Shakib after the match.

What a series for Bangladesh 👏#BANvAUS pic.twitter.com/pwBZfYFTBT

— ICC (@ICC) August 9, 2021

Bangladesh captain Mahmudullah said, “The boys showed a lot of character and hunger to win a series against a team like Australia. We executed our plans really well. Obviously, it was hard for the batters, but we did well to keep getting 120-130. All the bowlers worked really well together.”

“It's hard to say there will be more positives. Certainly, a great learning opportunity for our group. I've played for a few years now, certainly the toughest conditions to play T20 cricket in. Great learning for youngsters. Wasn’t our series, unfortunately. There are no excuses of not playing enough cricket. We had enough cricket in the West Indies to come and play good cricket, we just didn't. Credit to Bangladesh, they did well,” Australian skipper Matthew Wade said.

This was Bangladesh’s first-ever series win across formats against Australia.

The full Scorecard of the match can be viewed here.