Bangladesh’s women’s cricket team suffered a heavy defeat in the opening match of their ODI series against Australia, losing by seven wickets in their first-ever tour of Australia. The Tigresses got off to a disappointing start to the series after the hosts comfortably chased down their target.
On Friday, October 9, Bangladesh were put in to bat after losing the toss in Brisbane. Their innings got off to a disastrous start when opener Fargana Haque was dismissed on the very first ball without scoring. Fellow opener Sharmin Sultana managed just four runs, while Sharmin Akter contributed 24.
After losing three early wickets, captain Nigar Sultana Joty attempted to steady the innings, but she received little support from Sobhana Mostary, who was dismissed for just two runs off 17 balls. Joty scored 29 before losing her wicket, while Swarna Akter added 21 runs.
Ritu Moni top-scored for Bangladesh with 45 runs. However, wickets continued to fall at regular intervals, and Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 166 in 49.4 overs. Annabel Sutherland was Australia’s leading bowler, taking four wickets.
Chasing a target of 167, Australia made a positive start but failed to build a substantial opening partnership. Georgia Voll was dismissed for 19 off 18 balls.
The hosts recovered strongly through a 90-run partnership for the second wicket, putting them firmly on course for victory. Opener Phoebe Litchfield led the charge, scoring a rapid 77 off 57 balls after reaching her half-century in quick time.
Australia lost another wicket when Beth Mooney was dismissed for 13 off 12 balls. However, Ellyse Perry and Annabel Sutherland ensured there were no further setbacks, guiding their team to victory with 146 balls remaining.
Perry remained unbeaten on 26, while Sutherland finished on 25 not out as Australia completed a comfortable seven-wicket win.
For Bangladesh, Habiba Islam claimed two wickets, while Rabeya Khan took one.
The defeat leaves Bangladesh with work to do as they look to bounce back in the remaining matches of the ODI series against the Australian side.
