In the second match of the series between Australia and Bangladesh, played at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay, the first day (August 22) proved to be a day for the bowlers, with 18 wickets falling. Bangladesh finished its first innings on just 64 runs, but then the visiting team's bowlers mounted a strong counterattack, sending eight Australian batsmen to the pavilion by the end of the day.
By the close of the day, Australia had scored 165 runs, losing 8 wickets, giving them a lead of 101 runs. Cameron Green and Nathan Line remained on the field without being out.
Bangladesh's start to the day was extremely poor. The top order suffered under the pressure of Mitchell Starc, reaching 12/5 in just 7 overs. Mushfiqur Rahim and Mehdi Hasan Miraj tried to stabilize the game, but Australia did not ease up the pressure. By the lunch break, Bangladesh had only scored 35 runs, losing six wickets. Although the lower order managed to push the score above 50, no significant partnerships were formed, and the entire team was dismissed for 64 runs in 34 overs.
After Bangladesh scored only 64 runs, their bowlers had very few chances to make a mistake. They tried to get the team back into the game by putting pressure on the Australian batsmen from the start. Australia scored quickly, reaching 50 runs in 9.5 overs, but three wickets had already fallen by then. At the break, the home team had scored 50/3.
After Steve Smith's (42 runs) exit, Cameron Green continued to hold one of the positions. Instead of rushing amidst the fall of wickets, he played according to the situation. Green completed his half-century off 80 balls, including eight fours. Thanks to his play, Australia increased its advantage by more than 100 runs, which could prove crucial in this low-scoring match. Bangladesh bowler Shoriful Islam took six wickets so far.
The first day showed two different pictures. Bangladesh continued to fight, taking eight wickets from Australia after an batting failure, but the low score of the first innings set them far behind. This 101-run advantage for Australia on this pitch could prove decisive.