Thrilling Finish at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium
In a gripping conclusion to the three-match ODI series, Australia narrowly defeated Bangladesh by one wicket in the third and final game, finishing at 9-277 against Bangladesh’s 5-274. The victory allowed Australia to avoid a series whitewash, concluding the contest 2-1 in favor of the hosts.
Connolly’s Maiden International Century
Cooper Connolly emerged as the standout performer for Australia, scoring his maiden international century under challenging circumstances. Battling cramps, Connolly delivered an exceptional innings of 149 runs off 133 balls, including 13 fours and six sixes, at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Sunday. His previous highest ODI score was 61 not out, and this innings more than doubled that personal best.
Despite Connolly’s heroics, Australia faced a late collapse. After reaching five wickets down for 266 runs, the team lost four wickets for just five runs, sliding to 9-271. Connolly was the last wicket to fall, dismissed just four runs short of victory. The match was ultimately decided when Adam Zampa drove Taskin Ahmed through the covers for a boundary, sealing the win with three balls remaining.
Bowling Highlights and Missed Opportunities
Bangladesh’s recalled left-arm seamer Shoriful Islam was the leading wicket-taker, claiming six wickets for 48 runs. He was instrumental in the late collapse of the Australian batting lineup and could have been the match-winner. Shoriful took seven wickets in total but was denied a seventh by a dropped catch at wide slip by Tanzid Hasan off Zampa’s bowling.
Australian Batting Partnerships
Josh Inglis provided a strong start to the chase with 21 runs before falling early in Shoriful’s first over. Matt Renshaw was dismissed without scoring, bowled around his legs. Alex Carey contributed eight runs but was caught spectacularly by Soumya Sarkar, leaving Australia at three for 70.
Marnus Labuschagne (29), Cameron Green (27), and Oliver Peake (27) each played vital roles, supporting Connolly through partnerships of 64, 68, and 64 runs respectively. Shoriful Islam was on a hat-trick when he dismissed Peake and Xavier Bartlett (who scored zero) in consecutive deliveries, followed by Ben Dwarshuis for four runs. Connolly, meanwhile, remained composed at the crease but was eventually dismissed playing on to a slower ball from Mustafizur Rahman, with victory just within reach.
Bangladesh’s Strong Batting Performance
Earlier in the match, Bangladesh appeared to have the upper hand, thanks to half-centuries from Towhid Hridoy (83), Litton Das (58 not out), and Mosaddek Hossain (56 not out). Australia’s bowling attack made an early breakthrough when Bartlett bowled Soumya for two runs in the first over.
Matt Renshaw then removed Tanzid Hasan (19) and the stand-in captain Najmul Hossain Shanto (24), leaving Bangladesh struggling at three for 61. However, Towhid Hridoy anchored the innings with two significant partnerships: a 92-run stand with Litton Das and a 93-run partnership with Mosaddek Hossain. These partnerships threatened to put the game out of Australia’s reach until Connolly’s remarkable innings shifted momentum.
Series Outcome and Upcoming Fixtures
Bangladesh’s 2-1 series victory marked their fourth consecutive ODI series win and their first-ever series triumph against Australia. The two teams are scheduled to face each other in a three-match T20 series starting in Chittagong on Wednesday.
