In a stellar display of cricket skills , Mitchell Marsh stole the spotlight in Australia’s commanding victory against Bangladesh in Pune on Saturday (November 11). The Pat Cummins-led team concluded the World Cup league stage with an impressive seven wins out of nine matches, setting the stage for their upcoming semifinal clash against South Africa in Kolkata.
Towhid Hridoy’s Batting Heroics Not Enough
Bangladesh put up a spirited batting performance, led by Towhid Hridoy, who scored a commendable 74 runs . The team posted a formidable total of 306/8, their highest in this World Cup. Despite this, it proved insufficient against the face of Marsh’s dominant innings of 177* off 132 balls. Marsh’s innings included two crucial century partnerships – first, a 120-run stand with David Warner (53), and then an unbeaten 175-run partnership with Steve Smith (63*). This stellar performance propelled Australia to the target with 8 wickets in hand and 5.2 overs to spare.
Marsh’s Commanding Innings
From the outset, Marsh displayed aggressive intent, hitting boundaries regularly and ensuring there was no stagnation in the scoring. His innings featured three fours in an over off spinner Mahedi Hasan and a boundary plus a six off Taskin Ahmed. Warner, not to be outdone, contributed with timely boundaries as well, reaching a 52-ball fifty.
Warner’s Departure, Marsh’s Ascendancy
Warner’s dismissal by Mustafizur Rahman did not hinder Australia’s momentum. Marsh, despite battling cramps, continued his aggressive approach , reaching 150 in style with two successive fours off Mustafizur. Smith, on the other hand, notched up his 11th World Cup fifty-plus score, equaling the records of Ricky Ponting and Warner. Marsh finished with an impressive 177*, comprising 17 fours and nine sixes, securing Australia’s commanding win with a boundary from Smith.
Bangladesh’s Solid Start
Opting to bowl first, Australia faced a resilient start from Bangladesh openers Tanzid Hasan and Litton Das, who managed 62 runs in the first powerplay without losing any wicket. The partnership was the second-highest score conceded by Australia in this World Cup during the powerplay. However, Sean Abbott’s short ball strategy paid off as Tanzid departed in the 12th over.
Pressure Eased and Hridoy Shines
Najmul Hossain Shanto’s pulls off Marsh for boundaries eased the pressure, but Litton’s departure to Zampa brought the Aussies back into the game. Hridoy, in his first World Cup fifty, played a pivotal role, striking boundaries and keeping the scoreboard ticking.
Wickets Tumble, Zampa Shines
Najmul’s run-out, orchestrated by Marnus Labuschagne, disrupted Bangladesh’s momentum. Despite Mahmudullah’s positive intent and Mushfiqur Rahim’s six over midwicket, Zampa’s brilliance, finishing with figures of 2 for 32, curtailed Bangladesh’s progress. Cummins faced a tough time as Hridoy and Mehidy Hasan struck boundaries, but disciplined bowling in the death overs limited Bangladesh to just one boundary in the last four overs.
In summary, Mitchell Marsh’s masterful innings, combined with effective bowling spells from Zampa and Abbott, secured Australia’s comprehensive win against Bangladesh, propelling them into the semifinals with confidence and momentum.
Mitchell Marsh | Player of the Match: It feels great, obviously to finish off the league games with another win was great for the boys. It was important for me to back myself at 3, knowing when Head comes back, I’ll have to go down to 3. Have failed a few times, but have backed myself to perform.
Sure my mum and dad would be watching back home and they would be happy with this, my grandpop (who passed away last week) was a great man and I’m sure he’d be happy out there. I think we’re peaking well at the moment and looking forward to the semi-finals in Kolkata. It’s rare that you’d win the Man of the Match award after going for nearly fifty from 4 overs, but I would want to contribute more to the team.
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