Bangladesh undone by Australia spin attack in 1st T20I

Australia's spinners produced a clinical display to power the visitors to a four-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the opening match of the three-match T20 International series at Bir Shrestha Shahid Flight Lieutenant Motiur Rahman Stadium on Wednesday.

Leg-spinner Adam Zampa and left-arm spinner Joel Davis claimed three wickets apiece as Australia bundled Bangladesh out for 131 in 19 overs before chasing down the target with 10 balls to spare, reaching 133-6 in 18.2 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

Part-time off-spinner Matt Renshaw struck twice, while leg-spinner Nikhil Chaudhary—who became the first India-born male cricketer to represent Australia in six decades—picked up one wicket. Fast bowler Spencer Johnson accounted for the other dismissal.

Australia's spin quartet shared nine of Bangladesh's 10 wickets, tightening their grip on the contest after stand-in captain Towhid Hridoy won the toss and elected to bat.

Leading the side in the absence of injured skipper Liton Das, Hridoy failed to make an impact, scoring just eight as Bangladesh slipped to 57-3.

The hosts never recovered against Australia's disciplined bowling attack. Opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim managed 10 before falling to Johnson in the third over, while Saif Hasan looked promising during his 20-run knock before becoming one of Renshaw's victims.

Zampa and Davis then triggered a collapse that saw Bangladesh lose five wickets for just 40 runs, leaving the innings in disarray.

Mahedi Hasan offered the lone resistance, top-scoring with 29 runs to help Bangladesh push their total beyond 130 after appearing destined for a much lower score.

Australia's chase began shakily as returning captain Mitchell Marsh and wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis departed early.

However, Cooper Connolly, fresh from his match-winning 149 in the final ODI, continued his impressive form with a brisk 47 off 27 balls, smashing four fours and three sixes.

Connolly added a crucial 40 runs with Tim David (20) for the fourth wicket, steadying the innings and putting Australia firmly on course for victory.

Bangladesh briefly threatened a comeback through debutant left-arm pacer Abdul Gaffar, who removed both Connolly and Renshaw to finish with 2-32.

But Australia remained in control, and Xavier Bartlett sealed the win with a boundary through mid-off off Gaffar.

The second T20 International will be played at the same venue on Friday.