Australia cruise to DLS victory over Bangladesh

Pat Cummins takes a hat-trick as Australia beats Bangladesh by 28 runs (DLS). They were well ahead of the DLS par score when the third rain delay of the innings ultimately forced the cancellation of the match in Antigua.

Antigua: Bangladesh 140-8, Australia 100-2 – Australia won by 28 runs (DLS)

Australia maintained their unbeaten start to the World Cup by beating Bangladesh by 28 points as rain caused an early end to the match in Antigua.

The Tigers never really got out of second gear as they were restricted to 140 for 8 in their innings before Australia powered their way to a comfortable win in their first Super 8s match.

Bangladesh’s total was largely built on a pair of 40s from skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (41 off 36 balls) and Towhid Hridoy (40 off 28), but the rest of the order struggled to get going on a sticky surface from Antigua.

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The highlight of the Australian bowling effort was a hat-trick for Pat Cummins (3 for 29), who removed Mahmudullah (2), Mahedi Hasan (0) and Hridoy in his last two overs.

Pat Cummins became only the second Australian to take a T20 Men’s World Cup hat-trick (ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/Getty Images)

Adam Zampa was at his best with 2 for 24 from his overs as he contributed the two big wickets of Litton Das (16) and captain Shanto, while Mitchell Starc (1 for 21), who dismissed Tanzid Hasan on the second ball of the innings , was very economical.

Rain showers, which also delayed the toss, extended the innings break before Australia could begin their chase. Australia raced to 64 without loss after 6.2 overs thanks to David Warner, who was given a life when dropped at five, and Travis Head was at his destructive best before more rain forced the players off the field.

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Just three balls into a return to the field, Head (31) was dismissed by Rishad Hossain before Australian captain Mitchell Marsh fell to the same bowler for just one off six balls in his next over.

Warner, who brought up a 34-ball fifty, and Maxwell raced to a partnership of 31 off 15 balls before yet another downpour meant the covers were needed, with Australia well ahead on the DLS par score.

The match was called off just before the cut-off time of 12.45am (local time) to give Australia a comfortable start to their Super 8s campaign.

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