Mosaddek Hossain Saikat’s fairytale return and Nahid Rana’s pace devastation combined to script one of Bangladesh’s greatest One Day International victories, beating Australia by 86 runs via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method in the opener of the three-match series at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Tuesday.

It was a result that will live long in the memory — only the second time Bangladesh have ever beaten Australia in ODI cricket, 21 years after their famous 2005 heist in Cardiff.

Chasing 285, Australia were in deep trouble at 191-9 in 42.2 overs — still requiring 93 runs off 46 balls with one wicket in hand — when a fierce lightning storm lit up the Mirpur sky, sending the players scurrying off the field before rain swept in to end Australia’s misery and trigger scenes of wild celebration among the home faithful.

It was a fitting end to a day that belonged entirely to Bangladesh.

The foundations were laid by Mosaddek, who marked his return to the national side after four years in the wilderness with a breathtaking career-best unbeaten 86 off 70 balls, laced with seven fours and three sixes.

The popular all-rounder, despite the dropped catches and all — Australia put down six in total, four off his bat alone — refused to be denied on his long-awaited comeback.

Opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim (54 off 44) and Najmul Hossain Shanto (67 off 86) had given Bangladesh an encouraging start with a 96-run second-wicket stand, before Australia fought back through Nathan Ellis and Matthew Renshaw’s part-time off-spin.

But Mosaddek steadied the ship, anchoring crucial partnerships of 75 with Towhid Hridoy, 20 with Tanvir Islam and 45 with Taskin Ahmed to carry Bangladesh to a competitive 284-8.

Ellis was the standout bowler for the visitors with 3-38, but on a day when Bangladesh’s stars shone brightest, it mattered little.

Then it was Rana’s turn to shine. The pace sensation tore through the Australian batting order with skill and hostility, finishing with a magnificent 4-41 to be the wrecker-in-chief on the night.

The damage was done from the very first ball, when Taskin cleaned up Matt Short off the very first delivery of Australia’s innings to spark roars through the stands.