Mitchel Marsh, who shined in the last match in the final group match of both sides, accompanied by Steven Smith have taken Australia to a clinical eight-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on Saturday.
It was devastating striking from Marsh and sensible batting from Smith made it easer to chase the target and which give them huge confidence going into the semifinal against Australia at the Eden Gardens.
Despite losing the match Bangladesh remain on the race to qualifying the Champions Trophy, which was ultimate target of Bangladesh after losing six matches in a row.
However, Bangladesh after being sent to bat first scored 306 runs for eight wickets in the stipulated 50 overs but Australia played 44.4 overs to chase the target losing only two wickets.
Bangladesh, who needed not to allow Australia to chase the target (306) by 22.3 overs to keep their hope alive to qualify in the Champions Trophy, did the job successfully.
Though, Tigers’ qualification till now depends on the result of the India and Netherlands match, as if the Dutch could make the biggest upset with winning over India then Bangladesh will fail to qualify.
Bangladesh was sent to bat first when Australian captain Pat Cummins won the toss and decided to field.
Tigers with a combined batting effort steered Bangladesh to score their highest total in this World Cup with amassing 306 runs.
By virtue of scoring 300 plus runs, Bangladesh strongly remain on the race to ensure their Champions Trophy spot when Netherlands are also on the race to qualify in the tournament, as they collected as many four points from eight outings and one match left to play against India.
However, on a batting friendly pitch, Bangladesh to put their team efforts with the bat and scored 306 runs but it was not enough to defend against Australia.
Apart from the only one half-century from TowhidHridoy, there were some significant contributions from others helped to score the impressive total.
Tanzid Hassan and Liton Das got off to a strong start with a 76-run in opening stand with scoring 76 runs by 11.2 overs with scoring 62 runs in the first power play.
After the opening partnership departed, the second wicket pairs Litton and Shanto was going on smoothly with keeping up the momentum. But Litton, disappointed with offering his wicket when Zampa floated the ball on a length straight to stumps, he went down the leg and offered straight catch toLabuschagne.
Hridoy assisted Bangladesh on their way to a competitive total with 76 runs, but his out was a soft dismissal and could not bat on till the end.
Adam Zampa and Sean Abbott picked two wickets each, Marcus Stoinis claimed one wicket when three batters were run out as Bangladesh lost eight wickets for 306 runs.
But Mitchel destroyed all attack of bangaldesh bowlers with hammering unbeaten 177 runs off 132 balls cracking nine sixes and 17 fours. Bangladesh bowlers could take only two wickets with Taskin Ahmed making early breakthrough taking opener Travis Head and Mustafiz claimed David Warner’s wicket.
