CRICKET - World T20 -Australia beat Bangladesh in Bangalore

Bangalore - Usman Khawaja hit a quick-fire half century to help Australia to a thrilling three wicket victory against of Bangladesh in their ICC World Twenty20 clash in Bangalore on Monday.

As it happened:  Australia v Bangladesh

David Warner

The left-hander opener smashed 58 against 45 balls as Australia chased down the total success with Bangladesh 156 for five.

The win puts Australia's bid for a first World T20 trophy back on track after the side lost the top-ranked Test against New Zealand in their first match.

The 29-year-old Khawaja hit seven to four legs and a six before being bowled over by Al-Amin Hossain in their Super 10 Group Two match.

Khawaja, born in Pakistan and Shane Watson put on a solid 62 runs opening partnership before the veteran off-road ran out for 21.

Bangladesh bowlers mounted a vigorous attack against the Australians, after suffering a devastating blow when Taskin Ahmed and Arafat Sunny were suspended for illegal bowling actions in the weekend.

Skipper Steve Smith was bowled for 14 by Mustafizur Rahman and David Warner was caught and bowled for 17 by Shakib Al Hasan. Glenn Maxwell was perplexed by 26 against 15 balls.

James Faulkner hit the winning runs with nine balls to spare.

Bangladesh, demolished by Pakistan in their first group match, are now unlikely to qualify for the semifinals, which sits at the bottom of their group with two games remaining.

After Australia won the toss and elected to field, Mahmudullah top scored for the Tigers, aggressive hitting an unbeaten 49, which included seven fours and a six.

Seasoned Shakib T20 campaign also contributed 33 off 25 balls of like Bangladesh desperately tried to sign up their first points in the group stage.

Shakib hit three fours and six before being caught by Nathan Coulter-Nile Adam Zampa out for the fifth wicket.

Spinner Zampa, 23, led the Australian bowling attack by taking three wickets in the first T20 international, while Watson said both.

The right-hander Mohammad Mithun reached an ordained 23 of 22 balls before being caught by Watson at midwicket off Zampa depth.

Opener Soumya Sarkar was captured by one trying to reduce delivery Watson, only for Maxwell to take a simple catch at point.

Sabbir Rahman scored 12 off 17 balls before Faulkner had a great catch off a delivery Watson in the sixth Chinnaswamy stadium in.

Shuvagata Hom, rushed into the side of one of the substitutes Taskin and Sunny was LBW to Zampa 13.

Bangladesh now play India on Wednesday also in Bangalore, while Australia take on Pakistan in Mohali on Friday.