Bangladesh’s breakthrough against Australia is unlikely to stop at a maiden series win. After ending a 21-year wait for a victory over the Australians and then securing their first ODI series against them, the hosts will push for a 3–0 sweep when the sides meet in the third match on Sunday. That outcome would have seemed far-fetched only months ago, but a sharper, more confident Bangladesh side has changed the picture at home.
The second ODI on Thursday went the hosts’ way by five wickets under the DLS method. Najmul Hossain Shanto and Soumya Sarkar added 86 for the second wicket after Tanzid Hasan fell in the opening over. When five wickets went down in the chase of a revised 192, Towhid Hridoy and Mehidy Hasan Miraz guided Bangladesh home with 38 runs to spare.
Taskin Ahmed also shaped the target late in Australia’s innings, taking two wickets in successive deliveries. Rain arrived at around 2.35 pm with Australia six down, trimming Bangladesh’s chase to 192 rather than a much steeper 220.
Bangladesh will take further encouragement from Australia’s collapse to 0 for 3 in the second over — only the fourth such start in ODI history. Mustafizur Rahman, who collected three wickets in the first powerplay and was named player of the match, continues an outstanding run in 2026.
Questions surround Australia’s form. The top order has rarely batted long enough to build a clear picture, and the middle order has struggled. Marnus Labuschagne was dropped to No. 7 in the previous game and finally reached a half-century after 14 innings, while Xavier Bartlett made his maiden fifty in the second match.
Australia’s attack has also lacked bite. Bartlett and Nathan Ellis have looked dangerous with the new ball, but Bangladesh’s counter-attacking approach has twice pulled them out of tight chases.
A clean sweep would stand as a landmark moment for Bangladesh cricket, especially given the side’s revival after a difficult couple of years. Victory on a genuine sporting surface — rather than a heavily tailored home pitch — would add extra weight to the achievement.
Form guide (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Bangladesh: W W W W L
Australia: L L L W L
In the spotlight
Taskin Ahmed has been central to Bangladesh’s bowling plans, effective with both new and older balls. Early starts at 11 am have helped him exploit seam movement, and he has removed Matthew Short in the first over of both games. Taskin has also bowled strongly at the death, crediting longer spells with the red ball during the Test series against Pakistan for his improved control with the old white ball. He will be aiming to finish the series on a high in the decider.
Bartlett seized his chance with bat and ball in the second ODI. He rescued Australia from 81 for six with a 44-ball fifty, striking cleanly against pace and spin despite occasional footwork concerns not being a major issue at No. 8. He then fired with the new ball in the chase. Australia will need a similar all-round contribution to avoid a whitewash.
Team news
Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s concussion may open a place for Rishad Hossain, while Nurul Hasan could come in as a batter. Shoriful Islam may replace one of the rested quicks.
Bangladesh (probable): Tanzid Hasan, Saif Hassan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das (wk), Mosaddek Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana/Shoriful Islam
Australia rarely make sweeping changes, but poor individual returns could force adjustments.
Australia (probable): Matt Short, Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis (capt & wk), Matt Renshaw, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marnus Labuschagne, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Riley Meredith, Adam Zampa
Pitch and conditions
Both surfaces used so far have offered something for batters and bowlers once players adjusted to bounce and pace. Rain remains the main concern, with wet weather forecast again during Sunday’s match window.