World Cup Head to Head: Australia vs Bangladesh
Australia, the eventual champions of the 1999 World Cup, lost two out of their three initial matches and found themselves in a lot of mess. A victory by a massive margin against Bangladesh was the need of the hour for them and that's exactly what happened at Chester-le-street. Australia decided to put Bangladesh in after winning the toss and the Asian nation could only manage 178 on a decent batting surface. In response, Australia got off to a flier, courtesy a quick fire 63 off 39 balls from Gilchrist. They batted in the fifth gear throughout their innings, keeping net run-rate in mind and chased the target down in just 19.5 overs. Tom Moody conjured up a brisk unbeaten fifty of his own as he teed off from ball one. This victory boosted Australia's net run-rate considerably which in turn assisted them in qualifying for the super six stage of the World Cup.
March 31, 2007: Australia bring high-flying Bangladesh crashing down
Bangladesh grabbed a lot of headlines in the 2007 World Cup by defeating India in their opening encounter which eventually resulted in their neighbour's premature exit. Their confidence was at an all-time high but all of that came crashing down against a Ricky Ponting-led Australian side which many connoisseurs hailed as one of the best in World Cup history. In a rain-curtailed 22-over-match, Bangladesh stuttered their way to a dismal score of 105. In reply, both the Australian openers, Gilchrist and Hayden went berserk right from the word go. Gilly powered his way to 59 off just 44 and Hayden smashed 47 off 39. Australia took just 13.5 overs to seal the deal.
Cyclone Marcia hit Queensland and forced Brisbane's big-ticket encounter involving the host nation into a wet no-starter. Rain simply refused to stop at the 'Gabba and the match was eventually called-off without even a toss.
David Warner's majestic 166 managed to outweigh Mushfiqur Rahim's ton as Bangladesh fell short by 48 runs while chasing 382. Batting first, Australia racked up 381 on the back of some lusty hitting from the talisman from New South Wales. David Warner played a huge knock and ensured the game was done after the first half itself. Skipper Aaron Finch and Usman Khawaja also notched up fifties. In reply Shakib scored a fine 41 and Mahmudullah notched up a fine 50 to go with Rahim's hundred. Bangladesh in the end fell well short.
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