Marsh swamps Bangladesh

Marsh: third half-century in seven ODIs

Second ODI
Darwin
Bangladesh 117 (M G Johnson 3-17) v Australia 118-2 (S E Marsh 69no)
Australia won by eight wickets

Australia thrashed Bangladesh by eight wickets in Darwin to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the one-day international series.

Shaun Marsh finished unbeaten on 69 as the hosts reached a target of 118 with 27.2 overs to spare.

The Western Australia left-hander shared an opening stand of 73 with Shane Watson before left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan (2-38) made a quick double strike, removing Watson (29) and Michael Clarke (1) in successive overs.

But Marsh, who hit nine fours and a six during his 81-ball innings, combined with Michael Hussey (8no) to finish the job.

Bangladesh had been bowled out for just 74 during the series opener and their inexperienced batting line-up fared little better after opting to make first use of a good pitch at the Marrara Cricket Ground.

Wicketkeeper Dhiman Ghosh top scored with 30 as the visitors crashed to 117 all out in 36.1 overs.

Australia's bowling effort was led by their pair of left-arm seamers, Nathan Bracken and Mitchell Johnson.

Bracken (2-16) claimed two early wickets with the new ball to set the tone for a one-sided contest, while the pacy Johnson finished with 3-17.

The concluding match of the series takes place at the same venue on Saturday.