On this day in 2005: Bangladesh pull off a massive upset as they defeat Australia
On 18th June 2005, Bangladesh pulled off a major upset and defeated the mighty Australian side during the Natwest ODI Series. On this eventful day, Australia won the toss and decided to get their blades out.
Australia started their innings in a disastrous fashion, as they lost both Adam Gilchrist and Ricky Ponting with just 9 runs on the board. After scoring a 50-ball 37, big-hitting batsman Matthew Hayden departed too, with the Australian scorecard reading 57/3. And, that is when Damien Martyn and Michael Clarke began their rescue act.
The duo was involved in a sedate 108-run partnership for the 4th wicket. While Martyn scored 77 off 112 deliveries, Clarke scored 54 runs at a strike rate of 64.28. Michael Hussey and Simon Katich then played attractive cameos to provide Australia with much-needed momentum during the final stages of their innings. While Hussey scored a quickfire 31* at a strike rate of 147.61, Katich scored a 23-ball 36.
Tapash Baisya was the pick of the bowlers for the Bangladeshi Tigers. Even though he was expensive and gave away runs at an economy rate of close to 7 runs an over, Baisya picked up 3 wickets, including the vital scalp of Aussie skipper Ricky Ponting.
Bangladesh started their reply in a sedate fashion, and their scorecard read 46/1 after 15 overs. But then, they lost 2 quick wickets and were reduced to 72/3. And that was when batting sensation Mohammad Ashraful stepped up and played arguably the best ODI knock of his career. The right-hander scored a stunning 101-ball 100 for his side and was involved in a match-winning partnership of 130 runs for the 4th wicket alongside skipper Habibul Bashar, who scored 47.
Aftab Ahmed then applied the finishing touches for his side and scored a blistering 21* off just 13 deliveries with the willow, as Bangladesh beat Australia with 5 wickets and 4 balls to spare. And, for his sensational century that helped Bangladesh to post a win against the formidable Australian side, Mohammad Ashraful was awarded the Player of the Match award.
