Australia registered their seventh consecutive victory after easing to an eight-wicket win over Bangladesh, with Mitchell Marsh top-scoring with an unbeaten 177; Watch Australia's semi-final against South Africa live on Thursday from 8am on Sky Sports Cricket
Saturday 11 November 2023 13:25, UK
Mitchell Marsh's mammoth unbeaten century kept the Cricket World Cup momentum rolling for Australia as they beat Bangladesh by eight wickets.
Bangladesh, who are already eliminated, set a competitive total of 307 which Australia were able to chase down with 32 balls to spare.
Marsh starred with the bat, smashing 177 not out off 132 balls alongside David Warner and Steve Smith, who both scored half-centuries.
Sitting third in the table with seven wins in the group stages, Australia's attention now turns to next week's semi-finals and a meeting with South Africa on Thursday.
After losing the toss, Bangladesh got off to a solid start as Tanzid Hasan and Litton Das piled on the runs before both batters were dismissed for 36.
Najmul Hossain Shanto and Towhid Hridoy picked up where they left off with a 63-run stand for the third wicket before the captain was run out five short of a half-century.
After Mohammad Mahmudullah was run out by Marnus Labuschagne for 32, Marcus Stoinis earned the big wicket of the innings when Hridoy was dismissed for a top score of 74.
Although Australia were able to restrict the runs in the final four overs, Bangladesh's efforts earned them their highest total of the competition as they finished on 306-8.
They had the perfect start when Taskin Ahmed bowled Travis Head just three overs into the Australian innings, but David Warner and Marsh quickly took control with a 120-run partnership off 116 balls.
Warner chipped to Shanto off Mustafizur Rahman to fall for 53 in the 23rd over, but Marsh continued his ruthless form alongside Steve Smith.
The pair put on a 175-run partnership off 135 balls and both finished unbeaten, with Marsh scoring 177 and Smith posting 63 to see Australia home in the 45th over.
The group stage reaches its conclusion on Sunday, with tournament hosts and unbeaten India facing a Netherlands side who are currently bottom of the standings (8am on Sky Sports Cricket, 8.30am start).
The semi-final line-up is now confirmed, with India playing fourth-placed New Zealand in Mumbai on Wednesday before Australia take on South Africa in Kolkata a day later. Build-up of those matches begins on Sky Sports Cricket from 8am on those days, with matches starting at 8.30am.
Watch every match from the Cricket World Cup live Sky Sports, including the final in Ahmedabad on Sunday November 19. Stream the tournament without a contract through NOW.
