Symonds helps Australia to win

Andrew Symonds struck an unbeaten century for the Australians © Getty Images

Australia were grateful for Andrew Symonds’ unbeaten century as they clinched an unassailable 2-0 lead in their three-match one-day international series in Bangladesh.

The tourists bowled the hosts out for 183 in Wednesday’s second ODI in Fatullah, winning by 67 runs after posting 250 for five off their 50 overs.

Symonds’ 103 not out therefore proved crucial, the all-rounder coming to the crease after the world champions had been reduced to 65 for three within 13 overs.

Bangladesh slumped to eight for three in reply, losing openers Shahriar Nafees and Rajin Saleh to ducks - the latter first ball - and Tushar Imran for just two.

Brett Lee got the ball rolling, trapping Nafees lbw with the second ball of the innings, before Nathan Bracken took over.

He dismissed Saleh, whose attempted drive was edged behind to Adam Gilchrist, and Imran, who got an inside edge onto his own stumps.

Resistance was finally provided by Javed Omar (34), captain Habibul Bashar (70), and Khaled Mashud (36) - the former getting a leading edge off the bowling of Mike Hussey straight to Lee at mid on.

Replacement Mashud was next to go, his reverse sweep completely missing the ball, which crashed into the stumps.

Clarke also snared Bashar, who was caught in the deep by Hussey, Mohammad Rafique following for a golden duck when he was caught and bowled by Lee.

Alok Kapali (10) became spinner Brad Hogg’s first victim, holing out to Hussey at deep midwicket, and it was only a matter of time before Abdur Razzak (three) and Mashrafe Mortaza (15) followed, as Hogg polished off the tail.

Mortaza had earlier been the stand-out bowler for the hosts, taking 3-54, with Gilchrist his first victim in the ninth over.

The left-handed opener had already hit 32 from 30 balls, including four fours and one six, when he was trapped lbw from a slower delivery.

Aussie skipper Ricky Ponting came in but faced just six balls before being bowled by Mortaza for five when he missed the line trying a pull shot.

Australia then appeared to be in big trouble when, in the 13th over, Simon Katich (25) slashed the ball to Nafees at cover.

It could have got worse with wicket-keeper Mashud dropping Clarke on just eight but he and Symonds brought some stability to the innings, taking Australia to 100 for three with 25 overs gone.

Symonds reached his fifty off 78 balls and Clarke then reached the mark just before Australia passed 200 in the 45th over.

However, Clarke (54) was caught in the same over driving Rafique straight to Kapali at cover.

Hussey (18) was bowled by Razzak attempting a wild slog from the final ball of the innings but by then he and Symonds had seen Australia to the 250 mark with Symonds recording his fifth ODI hundred.

The victory hands Australia the series after they won the first game by four wickets.

Friday’s third and final match will also be played in Fatullah.