DHAKA, (Reuters) – Michael Hussey smashed a brilliant century to help Australia win the third and final one-day international against Bangladesh by 66 runs yesterday to complete a clean-sweep of the three-match series.
Hussey bludgeoned 108 and Shane Watson hit 72 as Australia piled up 361 for eight. Bangladesh made a decent fist of the run chase with opener Imrul Kayes (93) and Shahriar Nafees (60) sharing a second-wicket stand of 136 but the hosts fell short on 295 for six.
“No doubt Bangladesh got off to a fantastic start tonight,” Australia captain Michael Clarke told reporters.
“We knew the first 10-15 overs with the powerplays was going to be hard work with the ball…credit needs to be given to the Bangladesh top order.
“I thought they batted really well tonight and we had to hang in there and we fought hard to get over the line.”
Watson gave the Australian innings another electric start. Following on from hitting a world record 15 sixes in his 185 not out on Monday, the opener raced to a half-century in 25 balls before left-arm spinner Abdur Razzak trapped him leg before to end his onslaught.
Ricky Ponting (47), dropped by Razzak off Mashrafee Mortaza at midwicket when he was on four, and Clarke (47) built on the early impetus and Hussey, who hit his third one-day century, clubbed nine fours and two sixes in the middle overs on a fine batting pitch.
Australia kicked on again after Hussey fell, Mitchell Johnson hitting 41 from 24 balls.
Bangladesh were going well at 179 for one in reply before debutant James Pattinson had Kayes caught behind for his first one-day wicket and Australia soon regained control with Johnson dismissing Nafees.
Mahmudullah hung on until the end to remain unbeaten on 68.