Pune: Star all-rounder Mitchell Marsh displayed his six-hitting prowess on way to a magnificent 177 not out as Australia warmed up for the semifinals with an eight-wicket thrashing of Bangladesh in the World Cup here on Saturday.
Set a target of 307, Australia rode on Marsh’s third ODI hundred and fifties from David Warner (53) and Steve Smith (63 not out) to complete the task with 32 balls in hand. The five-time champions will face South Africa in their semifinal in Kolkata on November 16.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, ended their campaign with yet another loss and would hope India beat the Netherlands on Sunday so that they can hold on to their 8th position and qualify for the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan.
Marsh, who had gone home after losing his grandfather, smashed as many as 9 maximums and 17 fours during his excellent knock, adding 120 off 116 and 175 off 136 deliveries with Warner and Smith for the second and third wickets respectively to take it away from the Asian team.
Marsh’s innings was also the second highest individual score of this World Cup after Glenn Maxwell’s 201 not out.
PTI

Press Trust of India