Australia remain on course in their chase after Cooper Connolly struck his maiden ODI century in the third match of the series at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. Chasing a target of 275 to avoid a series whitewash, Australia were 187 for 4 in 32.2 overs at the time of reporting, with Connolly on 104 and Cameron Green on 20. They required 88 runs from 106 balls.
Connolly reached his first ODI hundred in his 12th international appearance, anchoring the innings as Australia rebuilt their chase following early setbacks.
Earlier, Bangladesh, having been put into bat after losing the toss, posted 274 for 5 in their allotted 50 overs. Their innings began poorly when Soumya Sarkar was dismissed for 2 runs in the opening over, following his 42 in the previous match. Tanzid Hasan Tamim and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto added 51 runs for the second wicket before both were dismissed for 19 and 24 respectively.
At 61 for 3, Bangladesh were under pressure before Litton Kumar Das and Towhid Hridoy stabilised the innings with a 95-run partnership off 109 balls. Litton scored 58 off 78 deliveries, including four fours and two sixes, before retiring hurt at 153 for 4.
Hridoy then partnered with Mosaddek Hossain Saikat, adding a further 90 runs from 81 balls for the fifth wicket. Hridoy made 83 from 88 balls with eight boundaries, while Mosaddek remained unbeaten on 51 off 51 balls, striking five fours and one six. Bangladesh concluded their innings at 274 for 5.
In reply, Australia started strongly with an opening stand of 40 before losing two wickets in quick succession within three deliveries. Josh Inglis was dismissed for 21 off 12 balls, edging a catch off Shariful Islam, while Matt Renshaw was bowled for a second-ball duck.
Alex Carey was then dismissed for 8, taken in a sharp catch by Soumya Sarkar, leaving Australia at 70 for 3. Marnus Labuschagne and Connolly added 64 runs for the fourth wicket before Labuschagne was dismissed for 23 off 45 balls, leaving Australia at 134 for 4.
Connolly and Cameron Green then formed an unbroken partnership as Australia continued their pursuit of the target.
Match Summary
| Team | Runs | Wickets | Overs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh | 274 | 5 | 50 |
| Australia | 187 | 4 | 32.2 (ongoing) |
Key Batting Performances
| Team | Player | Runs |
|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh | Towhid Hridoy | 83 |
| Bangladesh | Mosaddek Hossain | 51* |
| Australia | Cooper Connolly | 104* |
| Australia | Marnus Labuschagne | 23 |