Australia complete series win over Bangladesh

Imrul Kayes

DHAKA, (Reuters) – Michael Hussey smashed a  brilliant century to help Australia win the third and final one-day international against Bangladesh by 66 runs yesterday to complete a clean-sweep of the three-match series.

Michael Hussey

Hussey bludgeoned 108 and Shane Watson hit 72 as Australia piled up 361 for eight. Bangladesh made a decent fist of the run  chase with opener Imrul Kayes (93) and Shahriar Nafees (60)  sharing a second-wicket stand of 136 but the hosts fell short on  295 for six.

“No doubt Bangladesh got off to a fantastic start tonight,” Australia captain Michael Clarke told reporters.

“We knew the first 10-15 overs with the powerplays was going to be hard work with the ball…credit needs to be given to the Bangladesh top order.

“I thought they batted really well tonight and we had to hang in there and we fought hard to get over the line.”

Watson gave the Australian innings another electric start.  Following on from hitting a world record 15 sixes in his 185 not  out on Monday, the opener raced to a half-century in 25 balls  before left-arm spinner Abdur Razzak trapped him leg before to  end his onslaught.

Imrul Kayes

Ricky Ponting (47), dropped by Razzak off Mashrafee Mortaza  at midwicket when he was on four, and Clarke (47) built on the  early impetus and Hussey, who hit his third one-day century,  clubbed nine fours and two sixes in the middle overs on a fine  batting pitch.

Australia kicked on again after Hussey fell, Mitchell  Johnson hitting 41 from 24 balls.

Bangladesh were going well at 179 for one in reply before  debutant James Pattinson had Kayes caught behind for his first  one-day wicket and Australia soon regained control with Johnson  dismissing Nafees.

Mahmudullah hung on until the end to remain unbeaten on 68.