Tigers clinch maiden ODI series victory against Australia

Bangladesh scripted a memorable chapter in their cricket history on Thursday, securing their first-ever One-Day International series victory over Australia with a five-wicket win in the second ODI at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.

After four decades of waiting, the hosts sealed the series with a game to spare, combining disciplined bowling with composed batting to overcome the world champions. The victory also highlighted Bangladesh's growing maturity in the 50-over format under the leadership of Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

Australia, opting to bat first after winning the toss, suffered a disastrous start, losing three wickets without scoring a run — the first time in their 1,024-match ODI history they had been reduced to 0-3. Despite recovering through a 103-run seventh-wicket stand between Xavier Bartlett and Marnus Labuschagne, the visitors managed 187 for 8 in 42 overs before rain interrupted play.

Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman starred with the ball, claiming three wickets each, while Tanvir Islam picked up two. Following the rain delay, Bangladesh were set a revised DLS target of 192 runs from 41 overs.

Bangladesh's chase got off to a shaky start with Tanzid Hasan Tamim falling in the opening over. However, Soumya Sarkar and Najmul Hossain Shanto steadied the innings with an 86-run partnership. Soumya scored 42 before departing, while Shanto contributed another 42 and reached the milestone of 2,000 ODI runs, becoming the 11th Bangladeshi batter to achieve the feat.

Although Litton Das (21) and Mosaddek Hossain were unable to convert their starts, Bangladesh held their nerve to reach the target with five wickets in hand, sparking celebrations at Mirpur.

Read More: Bangladesh seal historic first home ODI win over Australia

The landmark triumph not only secured Bangladesh's maiden ODI series victory over Australia but also underlined the team's continued rise on the international stage.