Australia beat Bangladesh by eight wickets with 32 balls remaining in their World Cup encounter on Saturday.
Mitchell Marsh scored a brilliant 177* as Australia chased down Bangladesh’s impressive first-innings effort of 306/8 with ease.
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.
Defeat for Bangladesh sees them finish their tournament on four points and with qualification for the Champions Trophy now hinging on the Netherlands’ result against India.
However, the arrival of Mitchell Marsh lifted Australia. Dealing primarily in boundaries, the all-rounder ensured Australia went ahead closer to seven runs an over.
The arrival of Bangladesh spinners temporarily slowed down the scoring rate, with David Warner taking his time to get going as runs flowed at the other end.
Marsh brought up his half-century off just 37 balls. And Warner followed to his own 50 off 52 balls, kicking on after getting his eye in against the spinners.
Australia’s dominant start to their chase hit a bump when Warner, who had begun to get bogged down, clipped a catch to Najmul Hossain Shanto off Mustafizur Rahman for 53 from 61.
But, with Marsh still out in the middle and playing beautifully, Australia were still well-placed in their search for 307 to win.
And the powerful number three kicked on in style. Supported by the returning Smith, Marsh muscled his way to an outstanding knock of 177 from just 132 balls, smashing nine sixes in his phenomenal innings.
Smith finished not out on 63* from 64 balls, as Australia reached the winning post with 32 balls to spare, sending a message to their semi-final opponents.
