On this day in 2011: Shane Watson’s 96-ball 185* demolishes Bangladesh

Shane Watson is one of the most impactful all-rounders to have represented Australia at the highest level and has starred with both the bat and ball during his illustrious international career that lasted for a one-and-a-half decade. ‘Watto’ has also been an integral member of Australia’s World Cup triumphs in 2007 and 2015.

Watson has played many whirlwind knocks in his decorated career. However, the best of them when it comes to his ODI performances that stands out from the rest is his explosive unbeaten 96-ball 185 against Bangladesh on this very day in 2011.

When Shane Watson’s thunderous knock left Bangladesh shell-shocked

Bangladesh hosted Australia in the second ODI at Mirpur. After winning the toss and electing to bat first, the visitors were restricted to 229/7 from their 50 overs riding on an unbeaten 80-ball 81 from wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim and a supporting knock of 56 runs from 73 balls by Shahriar Nafees.

Watson had a good time in the first innings as he finished with figures of 1/35 along with two catches and now, it was time for him to make an impact with the bat. That is exactly what he did when he walked out to open the innings along with Brad Haddin, who was dismissed cheaply for eight.

Ricky Ponting walked in next but could only be a silent spectator, scoring an unbeaten 37 runs from 42 balls. This is because Watson did all the scoring as he toyed around with the Bangladesh bowlers right from the word go. The home skipper Shakib Al Hasan made bowling changes and field placements but to no avail as Watson found a way to counter all his tactics.

The Queensland cricketer reached his century in no time and he single-handedly took the Aussies over the line by nine wickets and 144 balls to spare. His unbeaten 185 runs from 96 deliveries included 15 fours and as many sixes at an outstanding strike rate of 192.70 and he was deservingly adjudged the Player of the Match for his brilliant all-round performances.

By the virtue of this win, Australia sealed the three-match series 2-0 and eventually went on to register a 3-0 cleansweep by winning the third and final ODI by 66 runs.