Cape Town: Brett Lee claimed the first hat-trick in the shortest version of cricket as Australia thrashed Bangladesh by nine wickets in a Super Eight game of the Twenty20 World Cup at Newlands here today.

After restricting Bangladesh to 123 for nine, the Aussies cruised to victory with 6.1 overs to spare. Known for their big hitting skills, the opening pair of Matthew Hayden and Adam Gilchrist plundered the rival bowlers all over the park to put on a century partnership.

Hayden toyed with the Bangladesh attack to notch up an unbeaten 48-ball 73, including nine fours and three sixes, while Gilchrist made a 28-ball 43, studded with a boundary and four sixes, before being run out in the 12th over.

Captain Ricky Ponting (6 not out) joined Hayden to see the world champions home without any further damage. After being put in to bat, Bangladesh were all set for a challenging total after solid performances by opening bat Tamim Iqbal (32 off 40 balls) and Aftab Ahmed (31 off 43 balls).

At 108 for three, Bangladesh's progress was throttled by speed merchant Lee who sent back Shakib al Hasan (16), Mashrafe Mortaza (0) and Alok Kapali (0) in back-to-back deliveries to return figures of three for 27 off four overs.