Australia crying in the rain as Bangladesh stays alive
Australia’s second Champions Trophy cricket tournament washout yesterday left the team’s chances of progressing in the balance and saved Bangladesh from elimination.
Bangladesh, needing to avoid defeat to keep alive any hopes of qualification from Group A, were skittled for 182 but Australia’s likely stroll to victory was curtailed by bad weather at 83-1.
Australian frustration at The Oval was amplified given they appeared just four more overs away from securing an all-important two points. Regulations state 20 overs must be completed to activate the Duckworth-Lewis method, which would almost certainly have ruled in Australia’s favour, but only 16 were played meaning shared points.
Australia might have to beat England on Sunday to advance to the semifinals.
Their opening game against New Zealand was also halted by rain while Bangladesh stay in contention, just, despite their opening loss to England.
Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza was grateful for the lucky escape.
“Australia was far ahead of us, but in the last match against New Zealand, Australia were in the same position [as us], so you can’t do anything with the weather,” Mortaza said.
Bangladesh must beat New Zealand on Saturday in Cardiff to have a chance of going through.
As well as the elements, Bangladesh has Tamim Iqbal to thank after he followed up his 128 against England with 95 in south London. Tamim was one of only three batsmen in his side to make double figures, and the only one to pass 30.
He eventually fell to Mitchell Starc, who claimed three wickets in four balls and finished with 4-29.
With heavy rain forecast, Australia were expected to race out of the blocks but David Warner and Aaron Finch showed restraint to reach 40 after seven overs.
Bangladesh’s sole wicket came when Rubel Hossain pinged one back onto Finch’s pad but captain Steve Smith quickly restored order.
The Black Caps were due to play their second match of the tournament against the hosts late last night.
The winner will go top of the group.