Bangladesh secured a historic 2-1 ODI series victory over Australia despite suffering a heartbreaking one-wicket defeat in the third and final match at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Sunday.
Australia chased down Bangladesh's competitive 274-5 with three balls to spare, finishing on 277-9 after a dramatic contest that went down to the final over. However, the defeat could not prevent the Tigers from claiming the three-match series.
After electing to bat first, Bangladesh recovered from an early wobble to post a challenging total. Openers Soumya Sarkar and Tanzid Hasan fell cheaply, while captain Najmul Hossain Shanto managed only 24 as the hosts slipped to 61-3.
The innings was rebuilt by Towhid Hridoy and Litton Das, who added stability in the middle overs. Hridoy struck 83 from 88 balls with eight boundaries before falling late in the innings, while Litton retired hurt on 58 after facing 78 deliveries.
Mosaddek Hossain provided the late impetus with an unbeaten 56 off 51 balls, hitting five fours and a six, as Bangladesh finished strongly. Extras also played a significant role, contributing 29 runs.
Australia's chase revolved around a magnificent knock from Cooper Connolly. The left-hander produced a career-best 149 off 134 balls, smashing 13 fours and six sixes in an innings that kept the visitors in contention despite regular wickets at the other end.
Josh Inglis made a brisk 21, while Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green and Oliver Peake chipped in with useful contributions. Yet Bangladesh's bowlers repeatedly dragged the match back into the balance.
Shoriful Islam delivered one of the finest spells of his ODI career, claiming 6-48 from 10 overs. The left-arm pacer ripped through Australia's middle and lower order, reducing the visitors from a commanding position to 271-9.
Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed took one wicket each, while Mahedi Hasan also struck as Bangladesh pushed Australia to the brink.
The match reached a tense climax when Connolly, standing between Bangladesh and victory, finally departed for 149 with only four runs required. The Tigers sensed an unlikely win, but Adam Zampa and Riley Meredith held their nerve to guide Australia home with one wicket and three balls remaining.
Connolly was named Player of the Match for his match-winning century, while Bangladesh all-rounder Mosaddek Hossain earned the Player of the Series award after helping the hosts secure their first ODI series victory over Australia.
Although Australia avoided a clean sweep with a dramatic win, the series belonged to Bangladesh, whose impressive performances throughout the campaign underlined their growing stature in one-day cricket.
