1st T20I: Australia eye comeback against Bangladesh in shortest format
What's the story
After losing the ODI leg 2-1, Australia will face hosts Bangladesh in the first match of a three-match T20I series on Wednesday. The game will be played at Chattogram's Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium. While Bangladesh already have the home advantage, Australia are rebuilding after the woeful ICC T20 World Cup 2026 campaign. Captain Mitchell Marsh returns from injury to lead a squad that includes the uncapped duo of Nikhil Chaudhary and Joel Davies.
Team lineup
Pitch report and weather conditions
The match will be played on a pitch that has seen teams batting first average 159 over the last 12 months, according to ESPNcricinfo. It is worth noting that the last three games here have been won by the chasing sides. Weather conditions could also play a role, as afternoon rain is predicted for today.
AUS
Mitchell Marsh returns to Australian camp
Australia will field a second-string side in the absence of Travis Head, Cameron Green, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Glenn Maxwell, and Marcus Stoinis. However, Mitchell Marsh's return from injury boosts their chances. Probable XI: Mitchell Marsh (captain), Josh Inglis (wicket-keeper), Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Matt Renshaw, Aaron Hardie, Nikhil Chaudhary, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Spencer Johnson, and Adam Zampa.
BAN
Bangladesh rope in Soumya Sarkar
On the other hand, Bangladesh have roped in Soumya Sarkar as a replacement for Litton Das, who suffered a leg injury in the 3rd ODI. Their pace attack is stacked up with Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, and Nahid Rana. Probable XI: Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das (captain and wicket-keeper), Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, and Nahid Rana.
Record
Here's the head-to-head record
Between 2007 and 2024, Bangladesh and Australia clashed in 11 T20Is. While Australia won seven games, Bangladesh won the five-match home series in 2021 (4-1). At the Men's ICC T20 World Cup, Australia have a 6-0 lead over Bangladesh. Notably, Mahmudullah remains the only Bangladesh captain to have won a T20I against Australia. It was under him that the hosts beat Australia in 2021.
Performers
Here are the star performers
All eyes will be on Adam Zampa, who eyes the 150-wicket mark in T20Is. He currently has 147 T20I scalps. No other Australian has even a century of wickets in the shortest format. Meanwhile, Marsh requires six more to complete 200 fours in T20Is. Nahid Rana is set to play only his second T20I. His ability to bowl at over 140kph stands out.