Bangladesh aim for 3-0 against Australia in ODI series: Historic Sweep in Sight

The Big Picture: Tigers Eye an Unprecedented Clean Sweep

Winning their first ODI against Australia after 21 years was a momentous occasion. Following it up by securing their maiden ODI series victory against them was historic. But for this revamped Bangladesh side, those achievements are unlikely to quench their thirst. As the two sides prepare to meet in the third ODI on Sunday, Bangladesh aim for 3-0 against Australia in ODI series to complete a clean sweep that would have been deemed almost impossible just a few months ago. The home side has truly transformed, proving that their recent rise is no fluke.

Bangladesh demonstrated immense character in the second ODI on Thursday, overcoming several tense moments to secure a five-wicket victory. After losing Tanzid Hasan in the very first over of the chase, Najmul Hossain Shanto and Soumya Sarkar steadied the ship with an impressive 86-run partnership for the second wicket. Although a mid-innings wobble saw them lose five wickets, Tawhid Hridoy and Mehidy Hasan Miraz displayed remarkable composure, guiding the team home with 38 runs to spare while chasing a rain-adjusted target of 192.

Crucial to this victory was Taskin Ahmed’s late-innings brilliance with the ball. Taskin picked up two wickets off consecutive deliveries right before rain interrupted play at 2:35 PM. This double-strike was pivotal; had Australia been only four or five wickets down instead of six, the DLS adjusted target for Bangladesh would have shot up to 220. Keeping the target down to 192 gave the hosts the psychological edge they needed.

Bangladesh’s bowling unit laid the foundation early on, reducing Australia to a staggering 0 for 3 in the second over. This marked only the fourth time in ODI history that a batting team lost three wickets without scoring a single run. Mustafizur Rahman, who wrecked the Australian top order with three wickets in the first powerplay, was named Player of the Match, continuing his sensational run of form in 2026.

Australia’s Identity Crisis

For Australia, the series has raised tough questions. Their highly touted top-order batting has collapsed so quickly in both games that it is difficult to even evaluate their form. The middle order has offered little resistance. In an attempt to find stability, the team management pushed Marnus Labuschagne down to No. 7 in the second ODI. The move yielded some success, as Labuschagne registered a fighting half-century—his first in 14 ODI innings. He found an unlikely ally in Xavier Bartlett, who played a brilliant knock from No. 8 to record his maiden half-century and push Australia to a respectable total.

With the ball, the visitors have struggled to maintain pressure. While Bartlett and Nathan Ellis have shown glimpses of danger with the new ball, Bangladesh’s aggressive, counter-attacking approach has consistently allowed them to break free from tough situations.

A 3-0 series victory would go down as one of the most iconic moments in Bangladesh’s cricket history, signaling a complete revival after a couple of difficult years. What makes this potential achievement even more satisfying is that it is being accomplished on sporting wickets. As Taskin Ahmed pointed out after the second ODI, the team is no longer relying on slow, underprepared “paddy fields” to win matches at home.

Form Guide

Bangladesh: W-W-W-W-L (most recent first)
Australia: L-L-L-W-L

In the Spotlight: Taskin Ahmed and Xavier Bartlett

Taskin Ahmed has been the standout bowler of the series, showing mastery over both the new and old ball. He has consistently troubled Matthew Short, dismissing him in the opening over of both matches by extracting sharp seam movement in the morning sessions. Taskin has credited his late-innings effectiveness to the long, grueling spells he bowled with the red ball during the Test series in Pakistan. Heading into the final game, Taskin has made it clear that the team expects a perfect finish.

On the Australian side, Xavier Bartlett was a major positive in the second match. Coming to the crease with Australia reeling at 81 for 6, Bartlett played a fearless knock, reaching his maiden half-century off just 44 deliveries. He struck the ball cleanly against both pace and spin, showcasing batting depth that Australia desperately needed. Although his footwork remains a work in progress, his contribution with the bat was a massive bonus. He then backed it up with a fiery opening spell with the ball, making him Australia’s key player to watch in the third ODI.

Team News & Probable XIs

Bangladesh may be forced to make at least one change. Mehidy Hasan Miraz suffered a concussion in the previous game, which could pave the way for leg-spinner Rishad Hossain to return to the side. Nurul Hasan is expected to feature primarily as a specialist batter, while Shoriful Islam might be brought in to rotate the fast-bowling department.

Bangladesh (Probable XI): 1 Tanzid Hasan, 2 Saif Hassan, 3 Najmul Hossain Shanto, 4 Tawhid Hridoy, 5 Litton Das (wk), 6 Mosaddek Hossain, 7 Nurul Hasan, 8 Rishad Hossain, 9 Taskin Ahmed, 10 Mustafizur Rahman, 11 Shoriful Islam.

While Australia rarely makes wholesale changes, their continuous batting failures might force the selectors to test their bench strength for the final fixture.

Australia (Probable XI): 1 Matt Short, 2 Cooper Connolly, 3 Josh Inglis (capt & wk), 4 Matt Renshaw, 5 Alex Carey, 6 Cameron Green, 7 Marnus Labuschagne, 8 Xavier Bartlett, 9 Nathan Ellis, 10 Riley Meredith, 11 Adam Zampa.

Pitch and Conditions: Rain Threat Looms

The pitches used in this series have offered a fair contest between bat and ball, rewarding players who adjust quickly to the bounce and pace. However, the weather remains a significant concern, with rain forecast during match hours on Sunday. Fans will hope the weather clears up enough to allow a full contest.

Stats and Trivia

• Xavier Bartlett became the first Australian batsman batting at No. 8 or lower to score an ODI half-century against Bangladesh.
• Mustafizur Rahman’s three wickets in the first powerplay during the second ODI marked only the second time he has achieved this feat in his illustrious career.