An underwhelming batting display led to Bangladesh's 28-run loss to Australia via the DLS method in their first Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua.

Bangladesh, having set a target of 140-7, saw Australia reach 100-2 in 11.2 overs when rain interrupted play twice. According to the DLS method, Australia needed 72 runs in 11.2 overs and were comfortably ahead by 28 runs when rain halted the game for the final time.

David Warner was instrumental, scoring an unbeaten 53 off 35 balls, including five fours and three sixes. His opening partner, Travis Head, contributed 31 off 21 balls. The duo’s aggressive start put Australia in a strong position, racing to 62 for no loss in the seventh over before rain interrupted play.

Bangladesh’s bowlers, who had thrived on slower wickets in the group stage, struggled on a truer pitch. Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain provided some hope by dismissing Head and Australian captain Mitchell Marsh, finishing with 2-23 from three overs. However, Warner and Glenn Maxwell (unbeaten on 14 off six balls) ensured Australia stayed ahead.

Earlier, Bangladesh’s top-order batsmen struggled against Australia's formidable bowling attack. Mitchell Starc set the tone by removing Tanzid Hasan Tamim for a duck in the first over. Liton Das and Najmul Hossain Shanto managed to stabilize the innings but at a slow pace, scoring 16 and 41 respectively.

Leg-spinner Adam Zampa broke the partnership, dismissing both Das and Shanto. Towhid Hridoy provided a late boost with a brisk 40 off 28 balls, but Pat Cummins’ hat-trick in the death overs restricted Bangladesh to 140-7. Cummins' hat-trick, the first of this World Cup and seventh overall in T20 World Cup history, included wickets of Mahmudullah Riyad, Mahedi Hasan, and Hridoy.

Despite the defeat, Bangladesh captain Shanto remains optimistic about their chances against India in their next Super 8 game. He emphasized the importance of the top order contributing runs and expressed confidence in their bowlers’ ability to perform.