Cooper Connolly battled severe cramps and scorching Dhaka conditions to score a maiden international century and guide Australia to a thrilling one-wicket victory over Bangladesh.
Australia 275/9 (49.3 overs) beat Bangladesh 274/5 by one wicket
Cooper Connolly produced the innings of his young career, smashing a magnificent 149 off 133 balls to help Australia avoid a 3-0 ODI series whitewash against Bangladesh in a nerve-racking finish in Mirpur.
The left-hander overcame intense cramps and physical exhaustion in Dhaka’s extreme heat to anchor Australia’s chase before Adam Zampa struck the winning boundary with three balls remaining.
Connolly delivers a career-defining knock
Connolly’s 149 is now equal to the 27th-highest ODI score by an Australian and easily surpassed his previous international best of 61 not out.
His innings included:
- 149 runs off 133 balls
- 13 fours
- 6 sixes
Remarkably, no other Australian batter crossed 30, with Marnus Labuschagne contributing 29.
Despite battling cramps late in the innings, Connolly stayed composed and carried Australia close to victory.
Dhaka heat takes its toll
The 22-year-old revealed his body went into shock during the closing stages of the chase.
He admitted that physically it became extremely difficult but said representing Australia and spending time at the crease kept him motivated.
Connolly was eventually dismissed in the 49th over with Australia needing just four more runs, leaving the lower order to finish the job.
Australia survive dramatic collapse
Australia appeared comfortable at 266 for 5 before suffering a sudden collapse.
They lost 4 wickets for just 5 runs to stumble to 271 for 9 and nearly handed Bangladesh an unlikely victory.
Adam Zampa eventually sealed the win by driving Taskin Ahmed through the covers for four.
Shoriful almost wins it for Bangladesh
Left-arm seamer Shoriful Islam was outstanding with the ball.
His figures of 6 for 48 nearly inspired Bangladesh to a series sweep.
He could have even claimed seven wickets, but a dropped catch from Tanzid Hasan gave Australia a lifeline.
Aggressive approach paying off
Connolly said his ODI batting mirrors his red-ball style, where he prefers to attack and put bowlers under pressure.
His positive intent alongside stand-in captain Josh Inglis set the tone during the powerplay and laid the foundation for Australia’s chase.
Green rested for T20I series
Australia have also confirmed that Cameron Green will return home and miss the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh.
No replacement has been named, with Nikhil Chaudhary already added to the squad earlier.
Meanwhile, captain Mitchell Marsh is expected to return after recovering from an ankle issue.
Key Match Numbers
- Australia: 275/9 (49.3 overs)
- Bangladesh: 274/5 (50 overs)
- Cooper Connolly: 149 (133)
- Shoriful Islam: 6/48
- Result: Australia won by 1 wicket
Australia may have lost the series, but Cooper Connolly’s extraordinary innings ensured they left Bangladesh with a memorable victory and announced himself as one of Australia’s brightest young stars.
