Visitors Australia replicated their heroics from the One-Day International (ODI) opener against Bangladesh, securing another thumping win and clinching the 3-match series 2-0, with one game still to be played.
Opting to bat first, opener Fargana Hoque and Sobhana Mostary cautiously got going, yet Australia struck early, dismissing Mostary for 3(20), leaving Bangladesh struggling at 10/1 after 10 overs. The momentum continued to elude Bangladesh as they lost Hoque for 7(52) and suffered a mini-collapse with Murshida Khatun and Nigar Sultana departing for 5(24) and 1(5) respectively.
Fahima Khatun and Ritu Moni attempted to stabilize the innings with a brief 25-run partnership, but Moni fell for 10(24) followed by Khatun’s dismissal for 11(19) in the subsequent over. Bangladesh’s troubles compounded with Shorna Akter (2) and Rabeya Khan (3) failing to make significant contributions, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 8 down for 61 in 31.2 overs. Nahida Akter’s resilient 47-ball 22, partnered by Sultana Khatun (5) and Marufa Akter (8*), saw Bangladesh muster 97 runs before being bowled out inside 45 overs.
In her first ODI appearance since September ’21, Sophie Molineux led the bowling attack claiming figures of 3/10 (10). Ashleigh Gardner (2/22 off 10), Alana King (2/15 off 6.1), and Georgia Wareham (2/30 off 9) also made significant contributions, while Megan Schutt registered figures of 1/6 off 7 overs.
In her first ODI since September 2021 today, she picked 3/10 😲
Sophie Molineux is in some form 🔥🫡#CricketTwitter #WPL2024 #BANvAUS pic.twitter.com/JuErNw3X43
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) March 24, 2024
In their reply, Australia got off to a solid start with openers Phoebe Litchfield and Alyssa Healy finding the boundary early on. However, Bangladesh managed a breakthrough with Litchfield run out for 5(7). Soon after, they claimed another wicket as Healy departed for 15(29). While Ellyse Perry held one end firmly, Bangladesh continued to chip away at the wickets, with Beth Mooney (8) and Tahlia McGrath (10) departing after brief stays at the crease.
Ashleigh Gardner joined Perry, and the duo formed a crucial 38-run partnership off 35 balls. Perry remained unbeaten on 35(50), while Gardner contributed 20*(23), steering Australia to a comfortable 6-wicket win in 23.5 overs. With the ball for Bangladesh, while Sultana Khatun (1/23) and Rabeya Khan (1/25) claimed a wicket each, Nahida Akter bowled with great control but remained wicketless, finishing with figures of 0/19 off 8 overs.
SERIES SEALED 2-0!
After Sophie Molineux's 3/10, Ellyse Perry led the run-chase with her unbeaten 35. #CricketTwitter #BANvAUS pic.twitter.com/MEKsDcrA55
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) March 24, 2024
Loves all things female cricket