Cooper Connolly’s 149 Stuns Bangladesh as Australia Seal Thrilling 1-Wicket Victory in Final ODI

The BAN vs AUS 3rd ODI 2026 turned into an absolute thriller at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka, as Australia defeated Bangladesh by just 1 wicket in one of the most dramatic matches of the year. In a game filled with momentum swings, sensational batting, and late pressure, it was young star Cooper Connolly who became the hero for Australia with a breathtaking match-winning innings.

Bangladesh Post Strong Total in Dhaka

After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Bangladesh recovered brilliantly from an early setback thanks to excellent middle-order partnerships. While Soumya Sarkar departed early, opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto helped stabilize the innings before Litton Das and Towhid Hridoy completely shifted momentum.

Towhid Hridoy played a sensational knock of 83 runs off 88 balls, attacking the Australian bowlers with confidence and timing. Wicketkeeper batter Litton Das remained unbeaten on 58, while Mosaddek Hossain added a powerful unbeaten 56 runs in the death overs to push Bangladesh to a competitive total of 274/5 in 50 overs.

Australia struggled with discipline during the innings, conceding 18 wides, but bowlers like Matt Renshaw and Xavier Bartlett managed to pick up important wickets at key moments.

????ANOTHER HUMILIATION FOR AUSTRALIA ????

Bangladesh won ODI series against Australia 2-1.pic.twitter.com/snULVCuwER

— Cricket Central (@CricketCentrl) June 14, 2026

Cooper Connolly Produces Career-Defining Knock

Australia’s chase started in disaster mode after losing Josh Inglis and Matt Renshaw quickly inside the powerplay. Bangladesh’s pace attack, especially Shoriful Islam, kept Australia under constant pressure with aggressive bowling.

But amidst the collapse, Cooper Connolly delivered one of the finest ODI innings by an Australian youngster. The left-handed batter smashed a magnificent 149 runs off 134 balls, including 13 fours and 6 massive sixes, completely changing the direction of the match.

Connolly built crucial partnerships with Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, and Oliver Peake to keep Australia alive in the chase despite regular wickets falling at the other end.

Shoriful Islam Nearly Wins It for Bangladesh

Bangladesh fought back brilliantly in the final overs as fast bowler Shoriful Islam produced a sensational spell, picking up 6 wickets for 48 runs and nearly pulling off an unforgettable victory.

At one stage Australia looked comfortable, but late wickets created massive tension inside the stadium. Cooper Connolly eventually fell in the 49th over with Australia still needing runs, bringing Bangladesh right back into the contest.

However, Adam Zampa and Riley Meredith held their nerve under pressure and guided Australia to 277/9 in 49.3 overs, sealing a thrilling one-wicket win.

Player of the Match and Series Highlights

Player of the Match: Cooper Connolly – 149 (134)
Player of the Series: Mosaddek Hossain

The dramatic victory helped Australia finish the ODI series on a high, while Bangladesh earned praise for pushing the visitors until the final moments in a thrilling encounter that instantly became one of the most talked-about ODI matches of 2026.