MIRPUR: Australia narrowly avoided a series whitewash by clinching a thrilling one-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the third and final One Day International (ODI).
Chasing a target of 275 runs at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, the visitors scraped through to victory in the final over with their last batting pair at the crease. Cooper Connolly was the undisputed star of the chase for the Kangaroos, playing a magnificent knock of 149 runs.
Other minor contributions came from Marnus Labuschagne (29), Oliver Davies/Peake (27), Cameron Green (27), and skipper Josh Inglis (21). Alex Carey managed 8, while Ben Dwarshuis made 4.
Both Xavier Bartlett and Matt Renshaw failed to open their accounts. Adam Zampa (4*) and Riley Meredith (2*) held their nerves to remain unbeaten and guide Australia home.
For Bangladesh, Shoriful Islam bowled an exceptional spell, tearing through the Australian lineup to claim 6 wickets, while Mehidy Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman, and Taskin Ahmed took one wicket each.
Earlier, after winning the toss and electing to bat first, Bangladesh posted a competitive total of 274 for the loss of 5 wickets in their allotted 50 overs.
Towhid Hridoy led the charge with a solid 83 runs, while Litton Das (58*) and Mosaddek Hossain (56*) smashed vital, unbeaten half-centuries to bolster the total.
Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto contributed 24, Tanzid Hasan scored 19, Mehidy Hasan made 3, and Soumya Sarkar was dismissed for 2.
Australia’s bowling attack was led by Matt Renshaw and Xavier Bartlett, who picked up 2 wickets each, while Ben Dwarshuis claimed a single dismissal.
Australia vs Bangladesh ODI Head-to-Head
The cricketing rivalry between Australia and Bangladesh in ODI format has historically been dominated by the Aussies, though the Tigers have become increasingly competitive, especially on their home turf.
- Head-to-Head Record: Historically, Australia and Bangladesh have faced each other in 24 ODIs.
- Out of these, Australia has secured a commanding 21 victories, while Bangladesh has managed to win just 2 matches, with 1 fixture ending in a no-result.
- Bangladesh’s most famous ODI victory over Australia came at Cardiff in 2005.
- Leading Run Scorer: Former Australian captain Michael Clarke holds the record for the most runs in Australia vs Bangladesh ODIs, accumulating 373 runs in 7 innings at an incredible average of 124.33, including a highest score of 101*.
- Leading Wicket Taker: Legendary Australian speedster Mitchell Johnson remains the leading wicket-taker in encounters between these two nations, having scalped 17 wickets in just 6 matches, featuring a best bowling performance of 5/17.
