Australia escaped a historic series whitewash in the most dramatic way possible on Sunday. Cooper Connolly scored a brilliant 149 off 134 balls at Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. Adam Zampa hit the winning boundary with three balls left. Bangladesh took the series 2-1 but were left heartbroken after the close finish as Australia survives whitewash.
Bangladesh Post a Strong Total
Bangladesh batted first and made 274 for 5 in their allotted overs. Towhid Hridoy was the standout with 83 at the top of the innings. Litton Das and Mosaddek Hossain both added half-centuries to give their side a total worth defending.
It was a confident batting performance from the hosts. Bangladesh looked comfortable throughout their innings and knew that 274 on this ground would test any side in the world.
Connolly’s Innings of a Lifetime
Australia’s chase was in trouble early. Wickets fell quickly and the asking rate kept climbing. Then Cooper Connolly took control.
The 22-year-old reached his maiden ODI century in the 31st over. He was simply magnificent. Cannolly hit three consecutive sixes off Taskin Ahmed in the 45th over to put Australia firmly in the driving seat. His 149 off 134 balls was full of clean hitting, smart running, and outstanding composure under pressure.
It was only his second ODI hundred and by far his best innings at international level. No Australian batter had come close to matching him in this series. On a day when everyone around him failed, Connolly stood tall and refused to let his team go quietly.
Shoriful Islam Tears Australia Apart
Just when Australia looked done and dusted, Shoriful Islam changed everything. He took six wickets in this game that almost turned the game towards Bangladesh. Shoriful finished with six wickets in one of the best ODI bowling spells seen in Bangladesh this year. He bowled with pace, aggression, and the kind of heart that made the whole ground rise to its feet. On another day, that spell wins Bangladesh the match and completes a perfect series sweep.
Zampa Hits the Winning Runs
Australia needed runs with one wicket left and the pressure was immense. Adam Zampa walked out knowing what was required. He kept his cool and hit the winning boundary with three balls to spare.
The Australian dressing room went wild. Bangladesh were stunned. They had come within touching distance of a perfect series sweep but fell agonisingly short in the final over. It was the kind of finish that leaves both teams silent for a long time after the final ball.
What This Series Means for Bangladesh Cricket
This series was bigger than just three matches. Bangladesh proved they belong at the very top of ODI cricket. They beat Australia in their own conditions with skill, discipline, and a belief that was visible in every single game. The pace attack led by Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman was world class throughout. Their Captain Mehidy Hasan had a concussion, so he could not play the 3rd ODI.
Mosaddek Hossain was named Player of the Series for his 157 runs and two wickets across the three matches. He was Bangladesh’s most consistent performer and fully deserved the individual recognition. This series will be remembered for a long time in Bangladeshi cricket history.
Conclusion
This was one of the best ODI matches played in Bangladesh in recent years. Connolly’s 149 was world class. Shoriful’s six-wicket haul was breathtaking. Zampa’s winning boundary was pure drama. But the series result belongs to Bangladesh. They beat Australia in a bilateral ODI series for the first time ever and nothing that happened in the third match changes that. The Tigers have arrived at the highest level of 50-over cricket.
