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Ponting leads Australia to victory
 Ponting was dropped on 97 when Australia still needed 24 to win FATULLAH, Bangladesh -- Australia captain Ricky Ponting scored a brave unbeaten century to lead his side to a three-wicket win over Bangladesh in the first test in Fatullah. Ponting finished unbeaten on 118, nursing the tailenders on the final day to steer the world champions to a victory target of 307 and deny Bangladesh their second win in 43 tests. Ponting received solid support from fast bowlers Brett Lee (29) and Jason Gillespie (seven not out). It was needed after wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist, who scored a century in the first innings, and Shane Warne had fallen early to give Bangladesh a scent of a remarkable victory. Ponting held his nerve, however, batting for more than six hours, facing 253 balls and hitting 13 fours in his 31st test century to save his side from an embarrassing defeat. Top-edgingHe was dropped on 97 at fine leg by Mashrafe Mortaza after top-edging a pull shot with 24 runs still needed. Mohammad Rafique was Bangladesh's most successful bowler with four for 98 including the wickets of Gilchrist and Warne. Bangladesh, who piled up 427 in their first innings before bowling Australia out for 269 to take charge of the match, lost their two previous tests against Australia in 2003 by an innings They had won only one of their previous 42 tests since 2000, that victory coming over a depleted Zimbabwe side. The second and final test starts in Chittagong on Sunday. 
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