ICC T20 World Cup 2016: Australia vs Bangladesh - 5 Talking Points

Steve Smith won the toss and opted to chaseAfter a narrow defeat to New Zealand at the picturesque Dharamsala, Australia needed a victory to keep their chances intact in the World T20. Another loss here would have left them to fate’s hands as Steve Smith’s side arrived at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore.Also read: Australia vs Pakistan, ICC T20 WC 2016: LIVE streaming info, prediction, squads, match date and match timeFor Bangladesh, it was the same situation as they had lost badly to Pakistan at the Eden Gardens which meant that their net run-rate took a bad hit. However, the more worrying news was the suspension of key bowlers in 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 Khawaja’s class overcame an admirable fightback from Mortaza’s team as the Aussies scraped together a three-wicket victory.

#1 Vagaries of T20Is catch up with Watson

Watson pegged Bangladesh back with an impressive opening spell

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. He also came back in the end overs to complete his quota. 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 reveled on a benevolent surface to impress on-lookers

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

Adam Zampa’s flight and control troubled the Bangladeshi batsmen to no extent. 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. After 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 which was Warne's primary weapon.

Zampa snaffled the vital wicket of Shakib Al Hasan who had just started to expand his range of shots. Using a clever line, he generated some extra bounce to catch the all-rounder off guard. On a stadium which contained short boundaries, he captured the imagination with a handy performance.

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

Mahmudullah’s ability to find the boundary added a lot of value to his team

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 as John Hastings was dispatched 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 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

Steve Smith was deceived by the change in length from Mustafizur

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 specialized cutters. Both Khawaja and Watson treated him with caution before unfurling their strong fore-arms.

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.

The left-arm seamer came back strongly to send back Steve Smith 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

Usman Khawaja was elegance personified as he helped Australia eke out a close win

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. When Watson fell, 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 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.