DHAKA (Bangladesh): Spinner Nasum Ahmed claimed four wickets as Bangladesh beat Australia by 23 runs in the opening Twenty20 international on Tuesday.
Nasum, a left-arm spinner, returned career-best figures of 4-19 to help dismiss Australia for 108 while chasing a target of 132 as Bangladesh took a 1-0 lead in the five-match series in Dhaka.
It was Bangladesh’s first ever T20 win over Australia, whose four wins over The Tigers came in T20 World Cups. This is the first bilateral series between the two sides.
This is the first bilateral series between the two sides. Their previous four meetings — all won by Australia — were in T20 World Cups.
The series is a chance for both teams to prepare for the T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates and Oman in October-November.
Despite their unbeaten record against the hosts, Australia are missing key regulars, including the injured Steve Smith and Aaron Finch.
David Warner, Glenn Maxwell and Pat Cummins are among the stars who opted out of the West Indies and Bangladesh tours.
Australia lost a five-match T20 series 4-1 to the West Indies in July.
Matthew Wade led the Aussie side in the match that was played in an empty Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
The series concludes on August 9.
