An absolute masterclass from all-rounder Matt Renshaw powered Australia to a nail-biting 7-run victory over Bangladesh in the second T20I at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram on Friday. In a high-scoring thriller that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final delivery, Renshaw’s heroic unbeaten 89 followed by a crucial spell with the ball proved to be the ultimate difference maker, levelling the series in style.
Matt Renshaw’s blistering knock helps Australia post a formidable score
Opting to bat first, Australia endured a disastrous start to their innings, collapsing to a precarious 44 for 3 within the Powerplay. Spinner Nasum Ahmed trapped opener Josh Inglis (11) leg-before early on, while Nahid Rana and Mustafizur Rahman quickly removed Cooper Connolly (14) and skipper Mitchell Marsh (20) respectively. With the pressure mounting heavily on the visitors, Renshaw stepped out to anchor the innings and completely shifted the momentum.
Renshaw combined forces with explosive middle-order batter Tim David to orchestrate a spectacular rescue mission. The duo put together a roaring 97-run partnership for the fourth wicket, punishing the Bangladeshi bowling attack. While David cleared the ropes comfortably during his sharp 45 off 26 balls (hitting 2 fours and 4 sixes), Renshaw played the role of the aggressor.
The left-hander brought up a sensational half-century off just 29 deliveries and refused to slow down. Even after David fell to Abdul Gaffar Saqlain in the 15th over and Nikhil Chaudhary followed shortly after, Renshaw continued his onslaught. He finished on a majestic 89* off 52 balls, laced with 5 boundaries and 4 massive sixes, striking at an impressive 171.15. A late cameo by Joel Davies (13* off 8) propelled Australia to a formidable total of 196 for 5 at the end of their 20 overs.
Also WATCH: Saif Hassan plucks a stunning catch to dismiss Cooper Connolly in BAN vs AUS 2nd T20I
Australia keep Bangladesh at bay to secure a hard-fought victory
Chasing a demanding target of 197, Bangladesh came out firing on all cylinders, intent on making a statement on home soil. Dynamic opener Tanzid Hasan gave the hosts a roaring start, smashing a rapid 30 off just 15 balls, including 4 fours and a six, as Bangladesh plundered 72 runs in the mandatory Powerplay.
However, it was Renshaw who broke the dangerous opening stand, showing his utility by taking a sharp return catch to dismiss Tanzid. From there, Saif Hassan anchored the chase with a well-made 42 off 33 balls, finding able allies in Parvez Hossain Emon (36 off 22) and stand-in captain Towhid Hridoy (35 off 22). Bangladesh looked firmly in the driver’s seat at 130 for 2, needing a gettable chunk of runs in the final seven overs.
The Australian bowling unit, spearheaded by Aaron Hardie, triggered a timely collapse just as the game was slipping away. Hardie picked up the crucial wickets of Emon and Hridoy to finish with figures of 2 for 40, while Nathan Ellis bowled a tight spell of 1 for 27 to restrict the boundaries. Renshaw also delivered an extremely disciplined two-over spell, conceding a mere 13 runs alongside his lone wicket. Despite a late fightback from the lower order, Bangladesh fell agonizingly short, finishing on 189 for 6 as Australia held their nerve to secure a thrilling 7-run victory.
197 will be the target for Bangladesh to win the T20I ✋✅#BANvAUS #Cricket #Bangladesh pic.twitter.com/jkd3ZWiky6
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) June 19, 2026
Also WATCH: Shoriful Islam castles Josh Inglis with a beauty during 1st T20I
