Bangladesh’s semi-final hopes were kept alive, after rain abandoned play in their match against Australia at the Oval on Monday.
With the last meeting between the two sides suffering the same fate in the 2015 World Cup and Australia’s last match ending in a no-result due to heavy showers, Australia’s chances of two points was ended by persistent rain.
The weather forecast predicted rain in London, but the heavy cloud cover dispersed gradually before the toss.
TOSS REPORT: Bangladesh to bat first against Australia
Despite losing the toss and being put in to bat, Australia got their innings off to the perfect start. The Bangladesh batsmen crumbled around their star man, Tamim Iqbal, who scored more runs than his entire batting lineup combined.
The Bangladesh opener scored 95 off 114 balls and battled through the innings, as his side withered away. Iqbal fell victim to Mitchell Starc in the 43rd over, which sparked an onslaught from the 27-year-old speedster, who ended with 4-29 to skittle the Tigers for 182.
ALSO READ: Bangladesh crumble around Iqbal
The covers came on during the innings break, as the heavens opened and Bangladesh’s hopes of grabbing a lifeline point was heightened.
When play resumed, the Aussie openers, Aaron Finch and David Warner, took their time to chip away at the 183-run target, but only managed 45 runs before the fall of the first wicket. Subsequently, this was the only wicket to fall, as Warner and Steven Smith seemed to be in cruise control.
After 16 overs, with Australia on 83-1, rain abandoned play with Warner on 40 and Smith on 22.
Both teams shared a point; with Australia on two points and Bangladesh on one. If Australia lose to England in their next match, and New Zealand lose to England on Tuesday, Bangladesh will need to beat the Black Caps to make the semi-final.
Photo: Getty/Cricinfo
