Cairns (Australia), Aug 02: Australia easily won the first of three one-day cricket internationals against Bangladesh here today, cruising to 107 for two to overcome the visitors' total with more then 26 overs to spare. Australian opener Matthew Hayden scored 46, including a four to end the match in the 23rd over, while captain Ricky Ponting picked up 29 before being bowled in the second last over of the match.
After Australia won the toss the sent Bangladesh in to bat, Brett Lee took four for 25 in eight overs to help restrict the visitors to 105 in 34 overs.
Lee's pace and bounce proved too much for the minnows as he took three wickets in his next three overs. Jason Gillespie also took three wickets for 23 runs.
Andy Bichel wrapped up the innings with two wickets in his fifth over, leaving Bangladesh captain Khaled Mahmud on 25 not out.
The second match in the series is scheduled for cairns tomorrow, with the third on Wednesday in Darwin. Australia earlier won two test matches against Bangladesh. Bureau Report