Connolly Masterclass Powers Australia to Thrilling ODI Win Over Bangladesh
The Connolly Masterclass stole the spotlight as Australia secured a thrilling one-wicket win over Bangladesh in the third and final ODI in Mirpur on Sunday. Although Bangladesh had already won the series, Australia finished on a high with a memorable chase. Cooper Connolly produced the best performance of his ODI career. The opener smashed 149 runs from 134 balls and carried his team through difficult moments. As a result, Australia chased down a target of 275 with just three balls remaining. Bangladesh posted 274-5 after winning the toss. Towhid Hridoy led the innings with a composed 83 from 88 balls. In addition, Litton Das and Mosaddek Hossain remained unbeaten with 58 and 56 respectively. Litton suffered a muscle injury and retired hurt on 48. However, he later returned and completed his first ODI fifty at Mirpur.
Connolly Holds Firm Under Pressure
Australia started well but quickly lost momentum. Josh Inglis departed early, while Matt Renshaw fell for a duck. Soon after, Alex Carey’s dismissal left the visitors struggling at 70-3. Despite the setbacks, Connolly stayed calm. He built valuable partnerships with Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green and Oliver Peake. Therefore, Australia remained within reach of the target. Bangladesh pacer Shoriful Islam delivered an outstanding spell. The left-arm quick claimed a career-best 6-48 and kept his side in control for long periods. Later, Shoriful removed Peake and Xavier Bartlett with consecutive deliveries. However, Ben Dwarshuis prevented a hat-trick and kept Australia alive. The match turned again when Tanzid Hasan dropped a catch at gully off Adam Zampa. That missed opportunity proved costly. Connolly eventually fell after hitting 13 fours and six sixes, leaving Australia just four runs short. Zampa then finished the job in style. He drove Taskin Ahmed through cover for the winning boundary. As a result, Australia claimed a consolation victory and ended the series with renewed confidence.
