The fears surrounding Bangladesh’s performance in the Mackay Test were realized as the match ended in just two days. Failing to avoid an innings defeat, Bangladesh was bundled out for 64 in their first innings and managed only 95 in their second, leading to an innings and 51-run loss that leveled the series at 1-1.
Bangladesh entered the tea break on the second day at 95 for 8, still trailing by 51 runs to avoid an innings defeat. Following the break, Australia quickly dismantled the remaining resistance. After reaching 107 for 3 at lunch, the team suffered a collapse in the second session, losing five wickets. The final two wickets fell just three balls after the tea interval, with Nathan Lyon cleaning up the tail to keep the total under triple digits.
While the Mackay pitch offered significant pace and bounce, the Bangladeshi batters struggled to adapt their technique. Mushfiqur Rahim stood out as the lone exception, anchoring one end with an unbeaten 29 off 80 balls. In contrast, Tanzid, Mominul, and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto played aggressive shots reminiscent of T20 cricket, leading to their dismissals. Litton Das endured a dismal tour, failing to score a single run across three innings in two Tests, including a pair of ducks in this match.
Mitchell Starc was the standout performer for Australia, claiming 4 wickets for 39 runs in the second innings to finish with a match haul of 10 wickets. Australia’s strategy to challenge Bangladesh on the fast Mackay surface proved highly effective, resulting in a swift conclusion to the contest.
The second day began with promise for Bangladesh as they looked to limit Australia’s lead. Shoriful Islam delivered a standout performance, dismissing Cameron Green with a sharp inswinging yorker to finish with 7 for 48—the best bowling figures by a Bangladeshi in overseas conditions. Despite this, Nathan Lyon contributed an unbeaten 32 to push Australia’s total to 210.
Match Summary
- Bangladesh: 64/10 (34 overs, Shoriful 14, Starc 6/12) and 95/10 (38.3 overs, Shanto 31, Mushfiq 29*, Starc 4/39, Cummins 3/10).
- Australia: 210/10 (52.3 overs, Smith 42, Green 67, Lyon 32, extras 23, Shoriful 7/48).
- Result: Australia won by an innings and 51 runs.
- Man of the Match: Mitchell Starc.
