WC: Australia secured an 8-wicket victory over Bangladesh, thanks to an century by Marsh

By siliconindia  |  Sunday, 12 November 2023, 09:55:14 AM IST

WC: Australia secured an 8-wicket victory over Bangladesh, thanks to an century by Marsh
Mitchell Marsh's brilliant unbeaten 177 off 132 balls helped Australia thrash Bangladesh by eight wickets and complete their preliminary league campaign with seven wins in the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023. After Bangladesh rode on a patient 74 by Towhid Hridoy to post an impressive 306/8 in 50 overs, Marsh, Australia's number three slammed 26 boundaries including nine sixes in his inspired century, lighting up the second innings of the match and bringing Australia's group stage to a spectacular close.
Australia's top-order batsmen dominated Bangladesh in Pune, with Marsh, Warner, and Smith leading the way. The Aussies easily chased down a demanding total, advancing to the semifinals with confidence. Bangladesh finished their tournament with four points, and their chances of qualifying for the Champions Trophy now depend on the Netherlands' result against India.
Australia lost a wicket early on in the chase when Travis Head played on while trying to take on Taskin Ahmed. The ball took an inside edge and kissed his stumps before rolling back to the keeper. However, Mitchell Marsh lifted Australia. Dealing primarily in boundaries, the all-rounder ensured Australia went ahead closer to seven runs an over. The Bangladesh spinners temporarily slowed down the scoring rate, with David Warner taking his time to get going as runs flowed at the other end.
Marsh and Warner both scored half-centuries, with Marsh remaining unbeaten on 177 from just 132 balls, including nine sixes. Warner was caught for 53 from 61 balls, but Australia were always in control with Marsh playing beautifully and being well supported by Smith. Australia won the toss and chose to bowl first in Pune. Pat Cummins led the team as Glenn Maxwell was rested. India scored 250 runs. Shaun Marsh hit 150 runs off 117 balls and completed his century off 87 balls. Steve Smith completed his fifty off 55 balls. Marsh and Smith's unbeaten partnership of 175 runs led Australia to an eight-wicket victory.
Australia made two changes, with Steve Smith and Sean Abbott coming in for Mitchell Starc. Bangladesh set 307 to win, with a half-century from Tawhid Hridoy. Marnus Labuschagne's fielding was exceptional, contributing to four of Bangladesh's dismissals, including two run-outs. Stand-in skipper Shanto fell short of the crease while attempting a second run. Mahmudullah was caught out soon after. However, Bangladesh managed to score well with Hridoy being the top scorer. Sean Abbott claimed a wicket during his debut in the Cricket World Cup.
 
Shanto then joined forces with Hridoy to guide Bangladesh to 161/2 at the halfway mark of the innings and leave the match evenly poised. After Labuschagne struck twice to run out Shanto and Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim (21) looked solid until caught trying to lift the run rate as Zampa claimed outright first place for the most wickets at the Cricket World Cup thus far. Bangladesh were able to pass 300 and push toward their highest total of the tournament while Australia picked up regular wickets at the death to ensure it was a target they would still be confident of reaching.
Source: IANS

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