Cooper Connolly’s Dhaka masterclass denies Bangladesh a clean sweep

A resilient century from the young Australian left-hander anchors a tense chase, preventing a whitewash in a final-over thriller.

The humidity in Dhaka was stifling, but the pressure on Cooper Connolly was palpable as Australia’s middle order crumbled under the assault of Shoriful Islam. What began as a routine chase for the visitors quickly descended into chaos at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. Facing a target of 275, Australia found themselves precariously placed until Connolly took the match by the scruff of the neck, producing a maiden ODI century that will surely be remembered as one of the finest knocks by an Australian on these shores.

Bangladesh had set a competitive total of 274/5, recovering from early stutters through a gritty 83 from Towhid Hridoy and late fireworks from Litton Das and Mosaddek Hossain. When Shoriful Islam started dismantling the top order—clutching a six-wicket haul that seemed destined to secure a series whitewash—it felt like the hosts had the game well in hand. Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful combined to leave the Aussies reeling at 71/3, with the likes of Josh Inglis and Matt Renshaw back in the pavilion.

The Connolly resistance

Connolly, however, refused to blink. Despite suffering from severe cramps as the day wore on, he shifted gears with a display of calculated aggression. His partnership with Marnus Labuschagne provided the stability Australia desperately craved, and later, a 58-run stand with Cameron Green kept the required rate within reach. By the time he reached his century off just 87 balls, he had effectively silenced the home crowd, turning a desperate scramble into a controlled march toward victory.

The final overs were nothing short of nerve-wracking. Shoriful Islam returned to haunt the tourists, dismissing Oliver Peake and Xavier Bartlett in consecutive deliveries to claim his maiden five-wicket haul. With the tail exposed and Mustafizur Rahman bowling with lethal precision, the tension at the crease was thick enough to cut. Yet, Connolly’s poise ensured Australia crossed the line with three balls to spare, finishing on 277/9.

The bigger picture

Why it matters: This victory isn't just about avoiding a 3-0 embarrassment; it’s about depth. Australia’s ability to win while experimental and under extreme pressure in subcontinent conditions highlights a hardening of their bench strength. For Bangladesh, the series remains a massive positive, proving they can push world-class sides to the brink, but the inability to close out the final match will sting. The individual brilliance of Connolly—and the relentless bowling of Shoriful Islam—signals a changing of the guard in both dressing rooms, with young players proving they can handle the heat of a last-over finish.