Connolly's 149 helps Australia scrape past Bangladesh by 1 wicket despite Islam's 6-fer to avoid clean sweep

Australia avoided a series whitewash as they managed to eke out a nervy one-wicket win over Bangladesh in the third ODI on June 14.

Australia nick past Bangladesh to prevent series whitewash

Despite suffering top-order collapse during the chase, the visitors managed to track down Bangladesh's target of 275 in 49.3 overs. Cooper Connolly's maiden century (149 off 134) was the architect of Australia's win. Despite the defeat, Bangladesh claimed the three-match ODI series 2-1.

Earlier in the match, Bangladesh set a competitive total of 274/5 in their allotted 50 overs. The host nation's innings was largely driven by a composed 83 off 88 balls from Towhid Hridoy, alongside a quickfire, unbeaten 56 from Mosaddek Hossain. Among the Australian bowling attack, Matt Renshaw emerged as the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 2/44.

Cooper Connolly stands tall with towering 149, Islam's 6-fer in vain 

In reply, Australia got off to a brisk start thanks to their opening batsmen, but the momentum quickly faded once the initial partnership was broken. The chase suffered a sudden setback when Josh Inglis and Matthew Renshaw departed in quick succession, followed by Alex Carey, who was unable to make a meaningful impact on the scoreboard.

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The tourists' recovery was engineered by a crucial partnership between Cooper Connolly and Marnus Labuschagne, which effectively steadied the innings and restored control of the chase. Cameron Green then stepped up to provide valuable support, keeping the scoreboard ticking as the visitors edged closer to their target.

Even as wickets continued to tumble around him at the other end, Connolly remained remarkably composed. The all-rounder routinely found the boundary, single-handedly keeping Australia on track until he finally fell in the 49th over after a superb, match-winning century.

With the game in the balance, Adam Zampa stepped up to seal the thrilling victory with a crisp cover drive. Ultimately, Connolly's incredible hundred proved to be the difference, overshadowing a relentless and outstanding bowling spell (6/48) from Bangladesh's Shoriful Islam, whose magnificent effort had kept the hosts in the contest until the very end.

The two side will now play a three-match T20I series, starting from July 17.