Cooper Connolly [Source: AFP]Young Australian batter Cooper Connolly outclassed Adam Gilchrist in an elite batting feat, as he slammed his maiden ODI hundred in the final dead-rubber against Bangladesh. Chasing a 275-run target, the Australians were on the back foot, having lost three crucial wickets for 70 runs. However, Cooper Connolly saved them from a precarious situation with a magnificent counterattacking hundred. Opening the batting for Australia, Connolly thus eclipsed the legendary Adam Gilchrist on an elusive list. Cooper Connolly's 1st ODI ton helps him go past Adam GilchristLeft-handed batter Cooper Connolly recently had a memorable IPL 2026 campaign for Punjab Kings. He formed a robust top order alongside Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh, finishing the tournament with 491 runs at a superb strike rate of 163.12. Although he registered three consecutive ODI failures for Australia after the IPL, Connolly finally made the opportunity count in the final match of the three-game series against Bangladesh. While most of his teammates had no answer to Bangladesh's formidable bowling attack, Cooper Connolly held the fort like a lone warrior, eventually bringing up his century in 87 balls. He became the third Australian opener after Shane Watson and David Warner to score an ODI century against Bangladesh. Also Read: Australia Hit New Low Vs Bangladesh; Join Papua New Guinea In Shameful ListThus, he went past the talismanic Adam Gilchrist on the list of Australian openers with the highest individual scores against the Asian nation. Highest ODI individual scores by Australia openers vs BAN: Connolly surpasses GilchristShane Watson- 185*David Warner- 166Cooper Connolly- 149Adam Gilchrist- 76Shaun Marsh- 76Thus, Cooper Connolly finds himself over Adam Gilchrist, who couldn't manage a century against Bangladesh when he was active as an international cricketer. It's worth mentioning that Connolly became the eighth Australian batter to register a century against the Tigers. Apart from the aforementioned openers, Mitchell Marsh, Michael Hussey, Andrew Symonds, Michael Clarke and Ricky Ponting are the Australian batters who have an ODI hundred against Bangladesh. Cooper Connolly keeps his 2027 World Cup hopes aliveConnolly made his ODI debut for Australia against England in Bristol in 2024. His initial failures forced the selectors to use him as a fringe player more often than not. However, his recent IPL exploits and the unavailability of Travis Head for the Pakistan and Bangladesh series reopened the doors for Connolly, prompting the Australian think tank to give him a long rope in the playing XI. While he had registered a string of failures before this game, the hundred against Bangladesh significantly increased Connolly's stocks in ODIs. The batter exhibited commendable skill and resilience, delivering a performance for the ages under immense pressure. With Glenn Maxwell retired from ODIs, the Australian selectors are searching for a batter who can chip in with a few overs of spin bowling. Connolly perfectly fits the bill, having showcased incredible all-round attributes for Western Australia and Perth Scorchers. Thus, he can be a valuable asset for Australia in the upcoming 2027 World Cup, as the men in yellow would be keen to defend their title on the African continent next year. Also Read: India vs Pakistan Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Toss Report: Harmanpreet Kaur Takes A Bold Call
