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Australia will go into the semi- final clash against South Africa with loads of self- belief as they thrashed Bangladesh by 8 wickets in their last league game in Pune
Earlier Australia Skipper Pat Cummins won the toss and decided to bowl first. Bangladesh were off to a steady start. The openers put on 76 for the first wicket – Tanzid Hasan ( 36) and Litton Das ( 36). Stand- in Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto was run-out for ( 45), Towhid Hridoy gave the innings momentum with a fine 74 ( 79 balls , 5 fours , 2 sixes), in- form Mahmudullah scored ( 32), seasoned Mushfiqur Rahim ( 21) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz ( 29). Bangladesh going on to register their highest ever total in World Cup a mammoth 306/ 8 in their 50 overs.
Aussie bowlers had a tough day : Josh Hazlewood 0/ 21 ( 7 overs), Pat Cummins 0/ 56 ( 8 overs), Sean Abbott 2/ 61 ( 10 overs), Mitchell Marsh 0/ 48 ( 4 overs), Adam Zampa 2/ 32 ( 10 overs), Travis Head 0/ 33 ( 6 overs), Marcus Stoinis 1/ 45 ( 5 overs).
Bangladesh thought they had enough runs on the board . But the Aussie batsmen had other ideas. Despite losing Travis Head early for 10. Star all- rounder and big hitting Mitchell Marsh showed brute force . He first teamed up with David Warner to take them to 100 for 1 in 15 overs. Warner hit 56 ( 53 balls , 6 fours) . Marsh on the other hand was in punishing mood and he hammered the Bangladesh bowlers. Marsh hit his third ODI hundred . A power -packed unbeaten 177 ( 132 balls, 17 fours, 9 sixes) . Marsh’s innings was also the second highest individual score of this World Cup after Glenn Maxwell’s 201 not out.
Marsh got good support from Steve Smith 63 not out ( 64 balls, 4 fours, 1 six) and the duo powered Australia home to 307/ 2 in 44. 4 overs) and 32 balls to spare .
It was nightmare for Bangladesh bowlers : Taskin Ahmed 1/ 61 ( 10 overs), Mahedi Hasan 0/ 38 ( 9 overs), Nasum Ahmed 0/ 85( 10 overs), Mehidy Hasan Miraz 0/ 47 ( 6 overs), Mustafizur Rahman 1/ 75 ( 9. 4 overs)
Match: World Cup 2023, 43rd Match
Venue: Pune | Date: November 11, 2023
