Australia survived a dramatic late scare to secure a thrilling one wicket victory over Bangladesh in Dhaka, with Cooper Connolly producing a career defining innings of 149 to guide his side home in the final ODI of the series.
Chasing a target of 275, Australia appeared to be cruising towards victory thanks to Connolly’s outstanding knock. However, Bangladesh mounted a stunning comeback through left arm seamer Shoriful Islam, who claimed six wickets and nearly inspired an unlikely win for the hosts.
The match went down to the final wicket after Australia lost four batters for just five runs during a tense finish. With only two runs needed, Adam Zampa struck the winning boundary to end a gripping contest. Although Australia avoided a clean sweep, Bangladesh still claimed the series 2-1 after dominating the opening two matches.
Connolly laid the foundation for the chase from the outset, striking boundaries with confidence and maintaining control despite wickets falling around him. Captain Josh Inglis made a brisk start before departing early, while Matt Renshaw and Alex Carey also failed to convert their opportunities.
The left hander found valuable support from Marnus Labuschagne in a 64 run partnership before adding further important stands with Cameron Green and Oliver Peake. Connolly reached his maiden ODI hundred in the 31st over and continued to accelerate, smashing three consecutive sixes off Taskin Ahmed late in the innings to bring Australia within touching distance of victory.
His remarkable effort came to an end in the 49th over when Mustafizur Rahman dismissed him for 149 from 134 deliveries. The innings featured 13 fours and six sixes and kept Australia alive when the chase threatened to slip away.
Earlier, Bangladesh posted 274 through solid contributions from Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das and Mosaddek Hossain. Hridoy led the scoring with an impressive 83, while Litton added an unbeaten 58 from 78 balls and Mosaddek continued his strong form in the middle order.
Australia struck early through Xavier Bartlett, while part time spinner Matt Renshaw removed both Tanzid Hasan and stand in captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. A 92 run partnership between Litton and Hridoy steadied Bangladesh before late wickets restricted the hosts to a manageable total.
Despite Shoriful’s superb six wicket performance, Connolly’s exceptional innings ultimately proved the difference in a contest that delivered one of the most dramatic finishes of the series.
