Bangladesh Post Competitive 274 Against Australia

Bangladesh produced a spirited batting display, highlighted by three half-centuries, to post a competitive total of 274 for 5 against Australia in the third and final One Day International at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Sunday (14 June). Having already secured the series with victories in the first two matches, the hosts entered the contest with momentum, while Australia aimed to salvage pride by avoiding a whitewash.

Winning the toss, Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz opted to bat first on a surface that initially offered some assistance to the new-ball bowlers. The decision proved a mixed one early on as the innings suffered an immediate setback when Soumya Sarkar was dismissed for just 2 runs in the very first over.

The opening pair of Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Najmul Hossain Shanto attempted to rebuild the innings cautiously. However, neither batter could convert their starts into substantial scores, with Tanzid making 19 and Shanto contributing 24 before both returned to the pavilion.

The innings stabilised significantly through a composed and technically assured partnership between Litton Das and Towhid Hridoy. The duo absorbed pressure and rotated the strike effectively, guiding Bangladesh out of early trouble. Litton looked fluent before being forced to retire hurt due to a leg injury after scoring 48 runs. Towhid Hridoy continued the momentum with a commanding 83-run innings, falling just short of what would have been a well-deserved century.

In the latter stages, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mosaddek Hossain provided the necessary acceleration. Mosaddek in particular played an aggressive and unbeaten knock of 56, striking boundaries at crucial intervals to lift the scoring rate. Litton Das later returned to the crease and completed his half-century, finishing unbeaten on 58, marking his first ODI fifty in Mirpur in 11 years of international cricket.

Australia’s bowling attack had moments of discipline but struggled to maintain consistent pressure. Xavier Bartlett and Matt Renshaw claimed two wickets apiece, while Ben Dwarshuis added one to his tally.

Bangladesh’s innings closed at 274 for 5 after 50 overs, setting Australia a target of 275 runs to win the final match of the series.

Bangladesh Innings Summary

Australia will require 275 runs from their allotted 50 overs to end the series on a positive note, while Bangladesh will be confident of completing a clean sweep following their dominant performances in the opening two encounters.