At the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, the Bangladesh national cricket team produced a spirited batting performance, anchored by three half-centuries, to set a competitive target of 275 for the Australia national cricket team in the third and final ODI of the series. Having already sealed the series with victories in the first two matches, the hosts entered the contest with momentum and the added ambition of completing a whitewash.
After winning the toss on Sunday (14 June), Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz opted to bat first. The decision initially appeared uncertain as Bangladesh suffered an early setback, losing Soumya Sarkar for just two runs in the opening over. The top order struggled to build partnerships, with Tanzid Hasan Tamim contributing 19 and Najmul Hossain Shanto adding 24 before both fell at a crucial stage, leaving the innings under pressure.
Stability was restored through a key partnership between Litton Das and Towhid Hridoy. Although Litton was forced to retire hurt on 48 due to a leg injury, he later returned to the crease to complete a valuable unbeaten half-century, finishing on 58 not out. Hridoy, meanwhile, played the most commanding innings of the day, striking 83 runs in an assured display that fell just short of a century but provided the backbone of the total.
In the latter stages, Mosaddek Hossain Saikat injected momentum into the innings with an unbeaten 56, accelerating the scoring rate and ensuring Bangladesh reached a strong finishing position. The lower order’s contribution proved vital in pushing the total to a competitive 274 for 5 from their 50 overs.
From the Australian bowling perspective, both Matthew Renshaw and Xavier Bartlett claimed two wickets each, while Ben Dwarshuis chipped in with one. Despite their efforts, Australia struggled to contain Bangladesh during the middle and death overs, particularly as partnerships developed.
Bangladesh Batting Summary
| Batsman | Runs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Soumya Sarkar | 2 | Early dismissal in opening over |
| Tanzid Hasan Tamim | 19 | Promising start, unable to convert |
| Najmul Hossain Shanto | 24 | Got set but failed to capitalise |
| Litton Das | 58* | Retired hurt, later returned to complete half-century |
| Towhid Hridoy | 83 | Top-scoring, anchored innings |
| Mosaddek Hossain Saikat | 56* | Aggressive late-innings acceleration |
The innings highlighted Bangladesh’s resilience despite early setbacks. While the top order faltered, the middle order demonstrated composure and adaptability, particularly in rebuilding after the loss of quick wickets. The return and eventual contribution of Litton Das added further depth to the total, while Hridoy’s controlled aggression ensured stability through the middle overs.
Chasing 275, Australia face a challenging but achievable target, with the pitch at Mirpur expected to continue offering assistance to disciplined batting. Bangladesh, meanwhile, will aim to complete a clean sweep and underline their dominance in the series, while Australia seek to salvage pride and end the tour on a positive note.