Australia’s 6-match white-ball tour of Bangladesh kicks off on the 21st of March, 2024, with the 1st of 3 One-Day Internationals (ODIs). The game will be played at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur, and live action commences at 9:00 AM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
Bangladesh – Nigar Sultana Joty (C), Nahida Akter (VC), Fargana Hoque Pinky, Murshida Khatun, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Rabeya Khan, Sultana Khatun, Fahima Khatun, Marufa Akter, Disha Biswas, Sumaiya Akter, Nishita Akter Nishi, Farzana Hoque Lisa
Australia – Alyssa Healy (C, WK), Tahlia McGrath (VC), Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham, Tayla Vlaeminck, Grace Harris
Players to watch out:
Fargana Hoque Pinky
The 31-year-old top-order batter, averaging 27.68, has amassed 1495 runs, including the highest of 107, from 62 ODIs. Fargana scored her runs at an average of 46.00 in the past year, and on the South Africa tour in December ’23, registered scores of 58, 35, 102, and 8. She’ll be counted on to lead the scoring.
Nahida Akter
The 24-year-old left-arm off-spinner, from 38 ODI outings, has scalped 51 wickets, with the best of 5/21, at an economy rate of 3.80, while also being handy with the bat. Nahida didn’t have a successful tour of South Africa, taking only 3 wickets from as many ODIs, and will be banked upon for the goods.
Beth Mooney
The 30-year-old top-order batter, from 64 ODI outings, has amassed 2326 runs, including the highest of 133, at an average of 52.86. Beth, in a recent Twenty20 (T20) competition, registered consecutive scores of 85*, 66, and 74*, and it’ll be expected of the seasoned campaigner to carry the form into this series.
Sophie Molineux
The 26-year-old all-rounder, on return from injury in the ’23-24 One Day competition, accumulated 167 runs while bagging 17 wickets, with bests of 62 and 6/45. In the lead-up to the series, Sophie struck 12 wickets from 10 T20 outings and can be relied upon to lead the tally, both with the bat and ball.
Pitch:
The center wicket at Shere Bangla National Stadium offers favorable conditions for bowlers, especially spinners, leading to an average score in the 180s. Batters face challenges on this wicket but can convert their starts once they find their rhythm.
Weather:
Scattered thunderstorms on the radar pose no threat to the game as showers are forecasted to stay away during match hours. The temperature is expected to hover around 25°C, with light winds and a humidity level of 68%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Beth Mooney, Nigar Sultana Joty, Ellyse Perry, Fargana Hoque Pinky, Grace Harris, Ashleigh Gardner, Fahima Khatun, Annabel Sutherland, Nahida Akter, Sophie Molineux, Rabeya Khan
Match details:
Date – March 21, 2024
Time – 9:00 AM IST
Venue – Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur
Broadcast – T.B.C.