Australia beat Bangladesh by 60 runs in first ODI

Australia overcame Bangladesh by 60 runs in the first game of their three-match One Day International (ODI) series, at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur in Bangladesh. The Kangaroos amassed 270 runs batting first, and the hosts could only manage 210 for the loss of five wickets in their allotted 50 overs.
Bangladesh captain Shakib-Al-Hasan might be regretting his decision to field first on a good batting pitch. He expected the wicket to be consistent throughout the match, but the home team’s batsmen were unable to challenge the Australian bowlers.
Although Australia lost opener Brad Haddin early, the team got off to a good start. Star all-rounder Shane Watson and first-drop Ricky Ponting didn’t bother about the early loss and played aggressive cricket.
The pair put together 65 runs for the second wicket, guiding their team’s total to 81 in just 11.2 overs. Just when things started looking grim for the Bangladesh team, they got the wicket of Ponting. The former Australian captain played brilliantly for his 34 runs off 31 balls, but was run-out in an attempt to run three.
Watson was unable to make the most of the good batting conditions, as he threw his wicket away after getting a start. The flamboyant batsman scored 37 runs from 32 balls with the help of three fours and two towering sixes.
Australia’s new leader, Michael Clarke then steadied the innings for his team, along with middle-order batsman Cameron White. The pair put together a 48-run stand for the fourth wicket, before White was sent back to the pavilion. The stylish right-hander struggled to score 20 runs off 50 balls.
However, the Australian captain continued to bat sensibly, scoring a terrific ton for his team. He got out after scoring 101 runs from 111 balls with the help of six fours and two sixes. Michael Hussey and Mitchell Johnson also batted well in the death overs, taking their total to 270 at the end of the innings. They scored 33 and 26 runs each for their team.
The home team bowlers were unable to cause too many problems to the Kangaroos. However, Suhrawadi Shuvo bowled well, taking three wickets in the match.
In reply, the Bangladesh team got off to a terrible start, losing three quick wickets. Opener Tamim Iqbal and captain Shakib batted sensibly, putting together a steady partnership of 67 runs. Both batsmen got out after scoring 62 and 51 runs respectively, but they consumed too many balls, which made it hard for the lower order batsmen to chase.
Wicketkeeper batsman Mushfiqur Rahim and middle-order batsman Mahmudullah managed an unbeaten partnership of 61 runs, but they were unable to guide their team to victory. They scored 44 and 28 runs respectively.
Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson and John Hastings were the pick of the bowlers for the hosts. They troubled the batsmen with their pace and accuracy, taking one wicket each in the match.