Australia looking in ominous touch
Australia strengthened their Cricket World Cup semifinal credentials and punctured Bangladesh’s in a 48-run victory at Trent Bridge yesterday.
David Warner became the tournament’s leading run-scorer by hitting 166 in two century partnerships that underlined a 381-5 total, the second highest in World Cups for Australia.
Then Mitchell Starc grabbed sole leadership among the wickettakers with his 14th and 15th as Bangladesh’s chase slowly unravelled and ended tamely on 333-8.
Mushfiqur Rahim finished a maiden World Cup century on 102 not out, but his team’s hopes faded halfway through their chase when Tamim Iqbal (62) was back in the pavilion with Shakib Al Hasan (41).
Australia, the defending champions back on top of the standings, go to Lord’s on Wednesday to face top-ranked England in good shape. Since losing to India, Australia have won three straight group matches, and posted four consecutive 300-plus scores.
For Bangladesh, defeat means they have to win their last three matches against Afghanistan, India and Pakistan to make their first World Cup semifinals.
That is not impossible, but the top four of Australia, New Zealand, England and India looks increasingly set.
Bangladesh beat Australia only once — 14 years ago — but came to this contest in high spirits after a record win against two-time champion West Indies on Monday, and roared on by unwavering support from the mainly green-jerseyed crowd.