Shoriful’s six-fer heroics not enough as Connolly masterclass breaks Bangladesh heart

Australia avoided a whitewash with a one-wicket thriller in the third and final ODI at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur today (14 June), but Bangladesh had already made history – claiming their first-ever ODI series victory over Australia with an unassailable 2-0 lead heading into the match.

Bangladesh, batting first after winning the toss, posted 274-5 in 50 overs. Towhid Hridoy top-scored with a fluent 83 off 88 balls, while Mosaddek Hossain continued his fine series form with an unbeaten 56 off 51. 

Litton Das anchored the innings with 58 not out. The innings was hampered by 29 extras, including 18 wides.

In reply, Australia were steered to victory largely by Cooper Connolly, who played a magnificent 149 off 134 balls – his knock including 13 fours and six sixes – before falling in the 49th over with Australia on the brink. 

With two runs needed off four balls and only last man Riley Meredith at the crease alongside Adam Zampa, Australia scrambled over the line to win by one wicket.

Shoriful Islam was outstanding with the ball, claiming 6-48 in 10 overs – one of the finest ODI bowling performances by a Bangladesh pacer – but it was not enough to secure a clean sweep.

Bangladesh nonetheless end the series as deserving winners, having beaten Australia for only the second and third times in ODI history in the space of one week.