5 memorable moments from the Australia-Bangladesh match that don't fade away

Shane Watson
Watson had an eventful time with the bat and ball

The Australian batsmen celebrate the win over BangladeshAfter anarrow defeatto New Zealand at the picturesque Dharamsala, Australia needed a victory to keep their chances intact in the ICC T20 World Cup 2016. Another loss here would have left them in fates hands as Steve Smiths side arrived at theChinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore.For Bangladesh, it was the same situation as they hadlost badlyto Pakistan at the Eden Gardens which meant that their net run-rate took ahit. However, the more worrying news was thesuspension of key bowlersin Taskin Ahmed and Arafat Sunny.To make matters worse, Tamim Iqbal mysteriously fell sick leaving a gaping hole at the top of the order. Skipper Mashrafe Mortaza put on a brave face and talisman Mustafizur Rahman was drafted in despite not being fully fit.Australia began well and picked up wickets regularly to put Bangladesh on the back foot, who recovered due to some late hitting from Mahmudullah. Usman Khawajas class overcame an admirable fightback from Mortazas team as the Aussies scraped together a three-wicket victory.There were several unforgettable moments throughout the match that dont fade away, quite like the Axe Signature line of body perfumes. Here are 5 moments which will remain in the fans' memories for a long time:

#1 Vagaries of T20Is catch up with Watson

Shane Watson
Watson had an eventful time with the bat and ball

Shane Watson is often ridiculed for his technical issues in Test cricket. But, in limited-overs, there are very few all-rounders who contribute as much to their team’s cause as the 34-year-old does to Australia.

Entrusted with the new-ball, the burly cricketer did not disappoint his captain as he picked up Soumya Sarkar in his second delivery. Returning in the final over the Power-Play, Watson dismissed the talented Sabbir Rahman. Those two early wickets caused a significant dent in the Bangladesh batting lineup.

Even though he started well in his second spell, the seasoned campaigner gave away 17 runs in his last over which ruined his figures.

Watson, the batsman had a mixed day as he failed to make a dropped catch count and was run-out courtesy a sharp throw from Sabbir. His tryst with both bat and ball showed that the format’s nature requires everyone to be constantly on their toes.

#2 Adam Zampa\'s flipper evokes nostalgia

Adam Zampa
Zampa celebrates a wicket with Smith

The first thought which accompanies with leg-spin is Shane Warne’s delightful run-up to the crease and the subsequent drift which outwits many batsmen. If the legendary Victorian was watching Australia take on Bangladesh, then one sight would have grabbed his attention.

Adam Zampa’s flight and control constantly troubled the Bangladeshi batsmen. The remarkable aspect of his leg-spin was the almost negligible poor deliveries which could hamper any young wrist spinner's progress.

Admittedly, the 23-year-old began with a long-hop which surprisingly yielded a wicket. Despite being struck for a six and a boundary in consecutive deliveries, his temperament was on full display as he trapped Shuvagata Hom with a flipper, Shane Warne's primary weapon.

Zampa grabbed the vital wicket of Shakib Al Hasan, who had just started to show his range of shots. Using a clever line, he generated some extra bounce to catch the all-rounder off guard. On a stadium with short boundaries, he put the batsmen in check and captured the imagination with a handy performance.

#3 Mahmudullah\'s blitz adds impetus to the innings

Mahmudullah
Mahmudullah took on the Aussie attack

Bangladesh were crawling along at a moderate run-rate when Mahmudullah walked into the middle. Highlighting his burgeoning skills at the business end of an innings, the 30-year-old unleashed his entire repertoire to enable his team to reach a decent total.

He showed intent from the outset by dispatching John Hastings for a couple of boundaries. Despite Shakib’s dismissal, he kept the momentum going by finding the gaps with precision.

James Faulkner copped a bit of damage as the right-hander targeted the point boundary. Watson, who had bowled well until then, found it hard to keep Mahmudullah quiet due to his erroneous length.

Nathan Coulter-Nile bowled the final over of the innings and was outwitted by the enterprising batsman. With a lack of options forcing the team management to use him in the lower-order, Mahmudullah grew in stature with every delivery by performing his role with aplomb.

#4 Mustafizur Rahman\'s eventful comeback

Mustafizur Rahman
Mustafizur Rahman in action last night

After being sidelined from the latter stages of the 2016 Asia Cup with an injury, Mustafizur Rahman finally got back onto the field primarily because Mortaza had no other choice. With the match slipping away quickly, the 20-year-old was given the ball.

He began with a trademark over which comprised of quite a few of his specialised cutters. Both Khawaja and Watson treated him with caution before unfurling their strong forearms.

But, his nagging length started to cause some problems with Khawaja not looking too convincing. On the other hand, Watson mistimed one and sent the ball into orbit which was put down by Mohammad Mithun.

That didn't deter the left-arm seamer, who came back strongly to send Steve Smith back to the pavilion with a fuller delivery which shattered his stumps. He outsmarted Mitchell Marsh with another slow cutter to raise some hopes. But, Glenn Maxwell took advantage of Mustafizur’s inexperience by smashing him for a couple of huge sixes.

#5 Sublime Khawaja overrides spirited Bangladesh

Khawaja celebrates his 50
Khawaja celebrates his 50

Australia were off to a flier as Khawaja and Watson looked to hunt down the target rapidly. Usman, in particular, timed the ball beautifully to deflate Bangladesh’s hopes. The damage by the duo was such that despite Watson's wicket, the middle-order seemed to be in cruise control.

While the elegant left-hander was settling down without too many hiccups, the likes of Smith and Warner adopted a busy approach at the crease. Gradually, Khawaja reached his maiden T20I fifty to leave his team on the precipice of a victory.

However, a flurry of wickets resulted in some nervous moments for Australia as Shakib bowled with impeccable accuracy. When there appeared to be a twist in the tale, James Faulkner carved out a boundary to end the proceedings.

If Bangladesh retrospect on this contest, they will believe that poor fielding prevented them from giving Australia a major scare. Despite pulling off a tense victory, the Aussies would have to sharpen their skills as tougher opponents await.

Brand-new app in a brand-new avatar! Download CricRocket for fast cricket scores, rocket flicks, super notifications and much more! 🚀☄️

Quick Links