Shifting their focus to T20Is after a diabolical ODI series, Australia will face Bangladesh in the first T20I on Wednesday in Chattogram. The hosts have made things utterly difficult for Australia, completely dominating them in the preceding ODI series, where they prevailed with a 2-1 series win. Though Australia counterattacked constructively in the final match to end the series on a winning note, Bangladesh remained the defiant force.

Now, brimming with huge confidence after creating history with the series win in the ODIs, Bangladesh would be determined to cause the same damage in the T20Is. They would head into the T20Is under the leadership of stand-in captain Litton Das, who has been given leadership charge following an injury to regular captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Mehidy has been rested in order to give him time to recover from a concussion. Looking at Bangladesh's line-up, Bangladesh will bank on their tearaway pacer, Nahid Rana, in the bowling department. He led the side's attack in the ODIs, making a noteworthy contribution in the first ODI, returning with four wickets. He will be assisted by other brilliant performers Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman. In the batting department, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das, and Parvez Hossain Emon will be crucial for Bangladesh.

On the other hand, Australia will be eager to bounce back and leave the disappointing ODI series behind. They have been bolstered by the return of skipper Mitchell Marsh, who comes in after missing the ODI series due to an ankle injury. Meanwhile, Australia continue to miss the services of the ever-reliable trio of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, who have not been included due to workload management. Power-hitter Travis Head is also not part of the side, having been granted a personal leave. Moreover, all-rounder Cameron Green, who played in the ODIs, has been withdrawn from the T20Is.

Australia, now missing so many experienced players, will rely on Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis, Tim David, Cooper Connolly and the uncapped duo of Nikhil Chaudhary and Joel Davies in helping the side challenge Bangladesh. Notably, Australia last visited Bangladesh back in 2021 for a five-match T20I series, which they lost 1-4.

Head-to-head

Matches - 11

AUS won - 7

BAN won - 4

Bangladesh likely XI: Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das (c&wk), Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana

Australia likely XI: Mitchell Marsh (c) , Josh Inglis (wk), Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Matt Renshaw, Aaron Hardie, Nikhil Chaudhary, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Spencer Johnson, Adam Zampa