Australia head to semi-final with confidence after easy win over Bangladesh

PUNE – Mitchell Marsh played an unbeaten fiery knock of 177 as Australia chased down Bangladesh’s impressive first-innings total of 306/8 with ease.

Australia's number three slammed 26 boundaries including nine sixes in his inspired century, lighting up the second innings of the match and bringing Australia's group stage to a spectacular close.

Marsh’s efforts, along with a half-century from David Warner and good support from Steve Smith saw them make easy work of a demanding chase, sending Australia towards the semi-finals full of confidence.

Earlier, a classy half-century from Tawhid Hridoy has helped Bangladesh amass 306/8 against Australia in Pune match of the World Cup 2023.

Bangladesh's top five batters each made at least 30 but only Hridoy (74) could turn a start into a fifty as Australia were able to make the most of some outstanding fielding to prevent their opponents from taking command.

In-form veteran Mahmudullah (32) was caught out of his crease soon after when attempting a quick single as Labuschagne swooped on the ball and threw down the stumps in one action that included a dive.

Earlier, Australia won the toss and decided to field first against Bangladesh. 

Australia vs Bangladesh World Cup squads

Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto(c), Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim(w), Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman

Australia: David Warner, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis(w), Marcus Stoinis, Sean Abbott, Pat Cummins(c), Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood