T20 WC 2024: Cummins claims hat-trick against Ban.
Fast bowler Pat Cummins became the hero of the hour for Australia in their rain-affected T20 World Cup clash against Bangladesh! The match, which took place at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua on Friday morning (AEST), saw Cummins take a spectacular hat-trick, restricting Bangladesh’s total and paving the way for an Australian victory.
Cummins Joins an Elite Club
His fiery spell wasn’t just impressive, it was historic. He became only the second Australian cricketer to claim a hat-trick in a Men’s T20 World Cup match, following in the footsteps of the legendary Brett Lee who achieved the feat back in 2007 against Bangladesh (coincidentally!)
A Crucial Turning Point
Bangladesh had looked to be building a competitive total after a shaky start. However, Cummins’ hat-trick in the 20th over completely shifted the momentum. His wickets came at a critical juncture, dismissing Towhid Hridoy, Mustafizur Rahman, and Shoriful Islam in quick succession. This phenomenal bowling display effectively ended Bangladesh’s innings on a total of 140/8.
Australia Cruises to Victory (Thanks in Part to Cummins!)
Chasing a revised target of 103 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis method, Australia dominated the batting side of the encounter. Opener David Warner led the charge with an unbeaten 53, ensuring a comfortable victory for the team before rain intervened in the 12th over.
Read more: T20 WC : Dale Steyn prediction of semi-finalist teams.
A Match-Winner
While the rain meant Australia’s win came via DLS, there’s no doubt that Cummins‘ hat-trick played a pivotal role in securing the two crucial points. His exceptional bowling not only restricted Bangladesh’s scoring but also boosted Australia’s morale heading into their chase.
Looking Ahead
This victory puts Australia in a strong position for the remainder of the T20 World Cup. Cummins’ hat-trick will surely be remembered as a highlight of the tournament, showcasing his talent and ability to perform under pressure. Cricket fans around the world will be eagerly waiting to see what Cummins does next!