Cummins stars as Australia down Bangladesh in Super Eight clash

Fast bowler Pat Cummins took a hat-trick and David Warner hit an unbeaten half-century as undefeated Australia began their Super Eight campaign at the T20 World Cup with a rain-soaked 28-run victory over Bangladesh on Thursday.

Cummins was recalled alongside fellow quick Josh Hazlewood after being rested against Scotland, and his three-wicket burst helped restrict the South Asians to 140 for eight before rain ended Australia's chase.

The Duckworth-Lewis method helped to secure victory.

Australia were 100 for two after 11.2 overs when the match was called off, with Warner unbeaten on 53 and Glenn Maxwell 14 not out at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

Australia's win propelled them to the top of Group 1, ahead of India, thanks to a slightly higher net run rate. Bangladesh are fourth in the group, trailing Afghanistan, who lost their first Super Eight match to India.

The top two teams at the end of the phase advance to the semifinals.

Cummins bowled Mahmudullah for two, Adam Zampa caught Mahedi Hasan for a duck at deep third man, and then dismissed Towhid Hridoy for 40 after the batter scooped to Hazlewood.

Cummins' third victim appeared in the over following his first two wickets, and his hat-trick celebration was noticeably understated.

"I had no idea ... I totally forgot about it," Cummins said of his first hat-trick for Australia and the first at the tournament.

"Ashton Agar and Nathan (Ellis) were both on the bench today. They've got a hat-trick so I joined their club. It's a good club to be a part of."

He finished with 3-29 from four overs, while spinner Zampa took 2-24 to stop Bangladesh in the middle overs.

Australia's captain Mitchell Marsh declared himself fit to bowl on the eve of the match after recovering from a hamstring strain, but the all-rounder delegated the spare overs to Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis.

Marsh's poor batting form continued, as he was dismissed lbw for one by Rishad Hossain, who took both Australian wickets and bowled Travis Head for 31.

Australia won the toss and chose to field on a slow wicket, which paid off immediately when left-arm paceman Mitchell Starc took a wicket with his third delivery.

Young captain Najmul Hossain Shanto scored a steady 41 to help his team set up for a competitive total, but Zampa trapped him lbw in the 13th over, and Bangladesh were unable to break free thereafter.

"Wicket looked good, little slow, but we should've scored 170, I felt," said Shanto.

"Very important today that the top order got some runs. We struggled last couple of matches."

Bangladesh will play India at the same venue on Saturday, while Australia will face Afghanistan in Kingstown.

SportsLigue