Australia secured a seven-run victory over Bangladesh in Chattogram on Friday night to claim an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match Twenty20 International (T20I) series, their first bilateral T20 series win against the Tigers. The result marked Australia’s first series triumph since last summer’s Ashes and provided a positive boost amid a challenging period that included a Twenty20 series loss in Pakistan earlier this year, an early exit from the T20 World Cup, and two one-day series defeats on the current tour.

Batting first on a pitch that played more favorably for batsmen than the series opener, Australia posted 196 for 5 in their 20 overs, with Matt Renshaw emerging as the standout performer. Elevated to the No. 4 position, Renshaw scored an unbeaten 89 from 52 balls, helping stabilize the innings after an early wobble that saw Australia slump to 3-44. His partnership of 97 runs from 50 balls with Tim David, who contributed 45 at No. 5, proved crucial. Renshaw’s innings included a sequence of three consecutive sixes off leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, bringing up his half-century and laying the foundation for the total.

Bangladesh began their chase strongly, with left-arm quick Spencer Johnson conceding 39 runs in his first two overs, forcing his removal from the attack. Opener Tanzid Hasan struck 30 from 15 balls and appeared to shift momentum in favor of the hosts. However, Renshaw’s all-round contribution continued as he drew Tanzid into a return catch, triggering a collapse in Bangladesh’s middle order.

Captain Mitch Marsh took a key running catch to dismiss Parvez Hossain Emon, who scored 36 from 22 balls, while Joel Davies caught Saif Hassan for 42 runs off 33 deliveries. The experienced bowling duo of Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa then helped apply pressure in the latter stages.

Bangladesh required 23 runs off the final over, bowled by Aaron Hardie, who had been recalled to the side. Despite conceding two wides, Hardie held his nerve to restrict the Tigers and secure the win for Australia. The visitors’ ability to defend a challenging total on Bangladeshi soil—where no team had previously succeeded in chasing such a high T20I target—underscored their resilience.

This series victory offers Australia momentum as it looks ahead to key upcoming tournaments, including the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the home World Cup scheduled for later that year. With one match remaining on Sunday, Australia holds a commanding position to close out the series successfully.