Australia beat Bangladesh in rain-hit T20 World Cup match

AFP |  North Sound

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Pat Cummins claimed a hattrick and David Warner thrashed a quick-fire 53 not out as Australia beat Bangladesh by 28 runs in a weather-disrupted T20 World Cup Super Eight clash in Antigua on Thursday.

Australia, who are bidding to complete a historic treble of World Test Championship, ODI World Cup and T20 World Cup titles, were awarded the victory under the Duckworth-Lewis formula after motoring to 100-2 off 11.2 overs when rain stopped play.

Earlier, Australia had held Bangladesh to 140-8 off their 20 overs at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound.

Australia captain Mitchell Marsh saluted his bowlers for laying the foundations for the win. “Really exciting bowling performance, the boys played well tonight,” Marsh said.

“It is a very good playing XI. We’ve got 15 guys that can take us deep in the World Cup, but there’s a long way to go.”

Fast bowler Cummins was elated to bag his first international hat-trick. “Pretty awesome to tick that off,” Cummins said. “The boys are welcoming me into the club -- it’s a good club to be part of.” Warner led a brisk march towards the victory target despite multiple interruptions to the Australian innings due to rain.

A final rain delay took play past midnight with Warner not out on 53 and Glenn Maxwell unbeaten on 14, Australia 100-2 and needing 41 off 52 balls to win. With no further play possible, the result was awarded to Australia.