T20 World Cup: Pat Cummins' hat-trick propels Australia to victory
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Australia began their T20 World Cup Super 8s journey with a rain-disrupted victory over Bangladesh in Antigua, winning by 28 runs under the DLS method.
Pat Cummins achieved a remarkable hat-trick, securing Australia's lead in a match that saw significant rain delays.
Cummins' hat-trick, the seventh in T20 World Cup history, was crucial in restricting Bangladesh to 140-8. Australia, in reply, was at 100-2 when rain ended the game, placing them 28 runs ahead of the DLS target.
Mitchell Starc initiated Australia's strong start by bowling out Tanzid Hasan Tamim without a score on the third ball. Bangladesh recovered with Najmul Hossain Shanto (41 from 36 balls) and Litton Kumer Das (16), who together added 58 runs in eight overs. However, Adam Zampa's impactful bowling dismissed both batsmen and caught Rishad Hossain off Glenn Maxwell, reducing Bangladesh to 84-4.
Towhid Hridoy's 40 guided Bangladesh towards a respectable score before Cummins struck twice at the end of the 18th over. Cummins returned in the final over to dismiss Hridoy, completing his hat-trick and ensuring Bangladesh could not recover.
In Australia's chase, David Warner and Travis Head made a rapid start, reaching 64 without loss in the seventh over before rain interrupted. Upon resumption, Head was bowled for 31 by Rishad Hossain, who also dismissed captain Mitch Marsh for one. Warner, with a solid 53 from 35 balls, including three sixes, along with Maxwell's 14, kept Australia ahead of the required run rate when rain returned, securing their victory.
Cummins, unaware of his achievement until it was displayed on the screen, expressed his surprise and satisfaction. "I had no idea," Cummins admitted. "At the end of the over, I saw it come up on the screen so I thought I'll make sure I remember but I totally forgot about it. I had a few (hat-tricks) in juniors but never for Australia. It's a good club to be a part of."
Australia's next match is against Afghanistan on Sunday at 1:30 am UK and Ireland time in Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Meanwhile, Bangladesh will play against India on Saturday at 3:30 pm in North Sound, Antigua.