Symonds century pushes Australia to 250 v Bangladesh

FATULLAH, Bangladesh, Apr 26 (Reuters) Andrew Symonds smashed an unbeaten century to lead Australia to 250 for five in the second one-day international against Bangladesh today, the visitors recovering well after suffering an early collapse.

The all rounder finished on 103 for a fifth one-day century, with his fourth-wicket partnership of 140 with Michael Clarke (54) sparking Australia's revival following a triple strike from paceman Mashrafe Mortaza that left them struggling on 65-3.

Mike Hussey and Symonds then put on 45 runs for the fifth wicket before the former was bowled by Abdur Razzak off the last ball of the 50th over for 18.

The spinner came on to get the final wicket after he replaced Mortaza, who injured a leg muscle when bowling the first ball of the final over after claiming his three victims for 54 runs.

Symonds, who was dropped on 34 by bowler Alok Kapali, scored his runs off 125 balls, hitting two huge sixes and six boundaries.

Australia, who had won the toss and elected to bat, started well before Mortaza drew first blood by trapping Adam Gilchrist lbw for 32 in his fifth over with the score on 55.

In his next over, Mortaza bowled skipper Ricky Ponting for five and then removed Simon Katich for 26, caught in the covers by Shahriar Nafees.

Clarke then helped steady the innings with Symonds, notching his 17th half-century in an knock spanning 90 balls that included two fours.

Mohammad Rafique removed Clarke, caught by Kapali, the bowler finishing with figures of 1-39 from his 10 overs.

Australia beat Bangladesh by four wickets in the first match in Chittagong on Sunday.

The third and final match of the series will be played in Fatullah on Friday.

REUTERS PM BST1415