Star allrounder Cooper Connolly notched his maiden international century to lift Australia to a memorable one-wicket win in the third and final One-Day International against Bangladesh in Dhaka.
Connolly century steers Australia to a thrilling win
Connolly belted 149 off 133 deliveries, the first time he’s reached three figures playing for Australia, as the tourists chased down Bangladesh’s 5-274 with three balls to spare.
The left-hander largely played a lone hand in the run chase, with Marnus Labuschagne’s 29 Australia’s next highest scorer.
Connolly’s previous best score in ODI cricket was an unbeaten 61 against India in Adelaide last summer.
After opening the batting, Connolly was the last of Australia’s nine wickets to fall when he dragged a slower ball from Mustafizur Rahman back on to the stumps in the penultimate over of the chase.
Despite some anxious moments, an Adam Zampa boundary secured the victory in the final over.
Connolly said he was pleased to contribute to the win, despite being dismissed with his side in sight of victory.
“It was nice to play a role in a win for Australia,” he said.
“The enjoyment of playing for Australia and being out in the middle is something that’s exciting.
“It would’ve been nice to be out there for the win, and the emotions were quite upset and disappointed in myself, but it was nice to get over the line.”
Remarkably, Connolly became just the fifth player in ODI cricket to be dismissed for 149, joining Viv Richards, AB de Villiers, Adam Gilchrist and Steve Smith in being dismissed on the number.
Connolly and WA teammate Cameron Green (27 off 35) put on 68 runs for the fifth wicket.
Green also played a key role with the ball, finishing with figures of 0-18 off six overs, including two maiden overs.
The two sides will now do battle in three T20 Internationals, starting on Wednesday in Chattogram.