BAN vs AUS: Dan Christian smashes five sixes in an over of Shakib Al Hasan

Dan Christian is a powerful hitter of the ball and is renowned for his skills of smashing bowlers apart. But, in the third T20I match against Bangladesh, he failed to connect several balls in the death overs, leading Australia to lose the match. However, as fairytale, as it may sound, Christian turned around his fortunes with a solid punch back. 

The Australian all-rounder was sent up the order at no. 3 in the fourth T20I match against Bangladesh at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. In the fourth over of the innings, as Shakib Al Hasan came to the attack, Christian was quick to pounce on every opportunity he got. The all-rounder smashed Shakib all over the park. 

The first ball was smashed by Christian towards the long-on boundary. The second ball was a little bit fuller from Shakib but the hard-hitting batter found the fence on the long-on boundary yet again. The third ball was deposited in the stands from the mid-wicket boundary as it marked the three consecutive sixes. 

Christian’s 15-ball 39 – a major difference between Australia and Bangladesh

The fourth ball was a dot ball but Christian wasn’t done with his power-hitting. He managed to hit the fourth ball yet again towards the long-on boundary while he placed another six over the deep mid-wicket boundary to make it five in an over. To smash 30 runs is a monumental effort but to do it against Shakib on a difficult pitch aiding spin is quite remarkable. 

Christian assault lasted briefly but got Australia the right start which they required during their run-chase. The all-rounder scored 39 runs from 15 balls, with those five sixes and one four. He was finally dismissed by Mustafizur Rahman, who had troubled him in the third T20I as well. At the end of the match, as Australia scrambled their way through to chase down 105 runs in their 20 overs, Christian fiery cameo played a huge role. 

With this win, Australia managed to win their first match on their tour to Bangladesh. The hosts have already won the T20I series by a margin of 3-1. The final match of the series will be played in Dhaka on August 9, 2021.