Australia have completed their highest ever run chase in a World Cup, demolishing Bangladesh in an eight-wicket thrashing.
However, it could have been even better after controversy erupted over David Warner’s dismissal, when Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto appeared to have lost control of the ball.
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It didn’t stop Australia though, as Steve Smith completed the win with a four to bring up the comprehensive victory with 32 balls still remaining.
Chasing Bangladesh’s 8/306, Australia hardly got out of second gear in the chase with partnerships of 120 between Mitch Marsh and David Warner (53), followed by an unbroken stand of 175 between Marsh and Steve Smith (63 not out) guiding the side to victory.
But the hero of the day was Marsh who, following Glenn Maxwell’s historic 201 against Afghanistan on Tuesday night, hit 177 not out in what is the sixth highest score by an Australian in ODI cricket history.
Marsh’s 132-ball innings saw him muscle 17 fours and nine sixes to blow Bangladesh off the park.
The only issue Australia faced in their chase was the loss of Warner, whose dismissal had question marks from former Aussie skipper Ricky Ponting.
After chipping a shot to Shanto, the catch raised a big question for Ricky Ponting as he went to throw it up and caught the ball on his leg, spilling the ball onto the ground.
It’s similar to a catch that was disallowed for Ben Stokes during the Ashes.
The issue at the time reignited a Spirit of Cricket conversation.
The difference was that Shanto had his feet planted on the ground, while Stokes had been on one foot after jumping and lost it as he landed.
It was called a “Hershelle Gibbs re-enactment” by Shane Watson after the 1999 dropped catch of the South African on Steve Waugh, where the Australian captain reportedly quipped: “You’ve just dropped the World Cup”.
Immediately after the catch was taken, Ponting said: “Actually, we might have a look at this. Warner’s turned his back and walked away.
“It was chipped straight to mid-on and the fielder’s taken in but in the act of throwing the ball in the air, it has come out of his hands. Will this be counted as a completed catch or not?”
But it wasn’t looked at and Warner was out for 53, as Australia were 2/132.
Ponting still wasn’t convinced and said Warner was “completely oblivious”, questioning whether Shanto was “in complete control of his movements”.
It sparked plenty of debate on social media.
The result ultimately didn’t matter as Australia would have played South Africa on Thursday regardless of the result, while Bangladesh were only playing for a place in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
But it does mean that Australia are heading into the finals continuing a strong vein of form, having won the last seven games after losing the opening two matches of the series.
Marsh, who returned to Australia after the death of his grandfather, paid tribute to his late patriarch.
“I’m sure my Nanna and Mum and all the family will be watching at home, so hopefully it’s put a smile on their face,” Marsh said after the victory.
“My pop was a great man and they celebrated his life yesterday afternoon. I’m sure they probably had a few beers too so it was nice to be able to perform for the family. Just good to get the win.”
When asked about bowling four overs earlier in the day, Marsh joked: “It’s not every day you get man of the match after going 0/50 off four overs. I started minus-50 and had to get a few back. It’s always nice to bowl, I love bowling, it didn’t go to plan today but I love getting stuck in with (Marcus Stoinis) and all the all-rounders.”
To be fair on him, Marsh only went for 0/48 off his four overs.
Marsh said Australia were “bloody pumped” to have made the semi-finals and were ready to take on the Proteas to avenge their 134-run loss at the beginning of the tournament.
Run-out NIGHTMARE for Bangladesh | 00:42
Bangladesh had started the game well, racing to 0/62 off the opening 10 overs as Australia’s issues taking wickets in the powerplay continued.
But the match turned on Marnus Labuschagne’s fielding with the Queenslander taking two catches as well as two run outs in a great day in the first, taking wickets just as Bangladesh looked to get away.
The run out of Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto for 45 and Mahmudullah for 32 turned the game on its head, breaking up threatening partnerships for Australia and ensuring Bangladesh didn’t have any set batters for the final 10 overs.
Australia then got to work with the bat and despite the early loss of Travis Head, batted beautifully to head into Thursday’s final on fire.
