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Pointing hits 118 to guide Aussies home against Bangladesh

Ricky Ponting struck an unbeaten century yesterday as Australia stumbled to a three-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the first test.

The visitors reached the victory target of 307 runs just after lunch on the fifth and final day, with Ponting playing a captain's knock to finish the match unbeaten on 118. He smashed 13 boundaries in his 253-ball innings.

Tailender Jason Gillespie brought up the win with a single to finish four not out.

Australia resumed on the overnight score of 212-4, but were forced to endure a nerve wracking first session that saw the loss of Adam Gilchrist (12), Shane Warne (5) and Brett Lee (29).

Ponting, who survived a dropped catch when on 97, got vital support from in-form Lee, who helped steady the innings before being dismissed by paceman Mashrafee Bin Mortaza.

Bangladesh had a dream start to the match after it piled up a massive 427 runs in the first innings and then bowled star-studded Australia out for 269 to secure a hefty 158-run lead.

Australia's bowlers struck back to dismiss inexperienced Bangladesh for a paltry 148 in the second innings to ensure the visitors an achievable victory target.

Meanwhile, in India, England's stand-in skipper Andrew Strauss limped his way to 74 as the tourists finally tasted victory in the sixth one-day match match against India on Wednesday.

The Middlesex opener, leading England for the first time in place of the rested Andrew Flintoff, retired hurt with leg cramps in the 31st over before the tourists surpassed India's modest 223 with 44 deliveries to spare.
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