Connolly and Shoriful Register Memorable Outings in 3rd Australia-Bangladesh ODI
Australian batter Cooper Connolly and Bangladesh pacer Shoriful Islam delivered standout performances in Australia's consolation victory over Bangladesh in the final ODI of the three-match series on Sunday. Connolly's sensational century guided Australia to a one-wicket win while chasing 275 against a valiant Bangladesh side, which had already secured its first-ever ODI series win over the six-time world champions.
Connolly's Historic Century
At 22 years and 296 days, Connolly became the third youngest ODI centurion for Australia, behind legends Ricky Ponting (21 years, 21 days in 1996) and Steve Smith (21 years, 118 days). He smashed a spectacular 149 off 136 balls, featuring 13 fours and six sixes, at a strike rate of 111.19. This was his first international century, following his maiden professional ton while representing Punjab Kings in the IPL earlier this season. In 12 ODIs and nine innings, Connolly has amassed 281 runs at an average of 40.14 and a strike rate of 86.46, including one century and one fifty.
Shoriful's Six-Wicket Haul
Shoriful Islam recorded figures of 6/48, the fifth-best bowling figures by a Bangladesh bowler. Mashrafe Mortaza's 6/26 against Kenya in 2006 remains the best for the Asian side. Shoriful's effort was a highlight for Bangladesh despite the loss.
Match Summary
Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat first. They were reduced to 61/3 in 14.1 overs, but half-centuries from Towhid Hridoy (83 off 88 balls, eight fours), Mosaddek Hossain (56* off 51 balls, five fours, one six), and Litton Das (58* off 78 balls, four boundaries, two sixes) propelled them to 274/5 in 50 overs. For Australia, Matt Renshaw (2/44) and Xavier Bartlett (2/47) were the leading wicket-takers.
In response, Australia slipped to 70/3 before a 64-run stand between Connolly and Marnus Labuschagne (29 off 45 balls, one four) revived the chase. Connolly then added 68 runs with Cameron Green (27 off 35 balls, one four, one six) to take Australia past 200. Oliver Peake contributed a handy 27 off 32 balls (two fours, one six) to bring Australia close to victory, but the team stumbled to 271/9. However, Adam Zampa (4*) and Riley Meredith (2*) guided Australia home with three balls to spare.
