BAN vs AUS- 3rd ODI, 14 June 2026- Cooper Connolly's Magnificent 149 Powers Australia to Series-Securing Victory in Dhaka

Hridoy and Litton Lead Bangladesh Recovery

After losing Soumya Sarkar in the very first over, Bangladesh rebuilt steadily through Tanzid Hasan and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. While both batters got starts, neither could convert them into a major innings.

The turning point came when Litton Das and Towhid Hridoy stitched together a crucial partnership that rescued Bangladesh from early trouble. Litton played a composed unbeaten knock of 58 runs from 78 balls, while Hridoy produced the innings of the match for Bangladesh with a brilliant 83 off 88 deliveries, featuring eight boundaries.

In the final overs, Mosaddek Hossain provided the perfect finishing touch. His unbeaten 56 from just 51 balls accelerated the scoring rate and pushed Bangladesh to a competitive total of 274/5 in their allotted 50 overs.

Australia's bowling effort was led by Xavier Bartlett and Matt Renshaw, who claimed two wickets each.

Australia Lose Early Wickets

Chasing 275, Australia began aggressively through captain Josh Inglis, who struck 21 from only 12 balls. However, Bangladesh hit back quickly as Shoriful Islam removed Inglis and Matt Renshaw in quick succession.

When Alex Carey also departed cheaply, Australia found themselves under pressure at 70/3.

Connolly Produces Match-Winning Century

Young Australian batter Cooper Connolly then delivered a career-defining performance. Showing remarkable maturity and composure, Connolly anchored the chase with a magnificent 149 runs from 134 balls.

His innings included 13 boundaries and six towering sixes, keeping Australia in the hunt despite wickets falling regularly at the other end.

Marnus Labuschagne contributed 29 runs, while Cameron Green added 27 as Australia gradually closed in on the target.

Shoriful Islam's Heroics Almost Turn Match Around

Bangladesh appeared to have one hand on the match when Shoriful Islam produced a devastating spell. The left-arm pacer ripped through Australia's middle and lower order, finishing with outstanding figures of 6 wickets for 48 runs.

His wickets of Oliver Peake, Xavier Bartlett, and Ben Dwarshuis late in the innings brought Bangladesh right back into contention.

However, despite Connolly's dismissal in the 49th over, Australia managed to hold their nerve and cross the finish line at 277/9 in 49.3 overs.

Match Highlights
Bangladesh – 274/5 (50 Overs)
Towhid Hridoy – 83 (88)
Litton Das – 58* (78)
Mosaddek Hossain – 56* (51)
Najmul Hossain Shanto – 24 (50)
Australia Bowling
Xavier Bartlett – 2/47
Matt Renshaw – 2/44
Ben Dwarshuis – 1/55
Australia – 277/9 (49.3 Overs)
Cooper Connolly – 149 (134)
Marnus Labuschagne – 29 (45)
Cameron Green – 27 (35)
Oliver Peake – 27 (32)
Bangladesh Bowling
Shoriful Islam – 6/48
Mustafizur Rahman – 1/56
Taskin Ahmed – 1/59
Mahedi Hasan – 1/37
Player of the Match

Cooper Connolly – 149 runs from 134 balls.

The young Australian star produced a match-winning masterclass under pressure, guiding his team through difficult phases and laying the foundation for a memorable victory.

Turning Point

Despite Shoriful Islam's six-wicket haul, Cooper Connolly's exceptional century ensured Australia remained ahead of the required rate. His partnerships through the middle overs prevented Bangladesh from gaining complete control of the chase.

Conclusion

Cricket fans in Dhaka witnessed a classic ODI contest filled with momentum swings and individual brilliance. Bangladesh posted a challenging total thanks to Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das, and Mosaddek Hossain, while Shoriful Islam delivered a career-best performance with the ball. However, Cooper Connolly's magnificent 149 ultimately proved the difference as Australia escaped with a thrilling one-wicket victory and ended the series on a high.