Could Australia Be The First Team to Enter the Semi-Finals of the Women’s World Cup?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Australia secures a spot in the semi-finals of the Women’s World Cup.
- Alyssa Healy scores an unbeaten 113 runs.
- Phoebe Litchfield supports with a solid 84 not out.
- Alana King shines with 2-18 in bowling.
- Bangladesh struggles to build momentum with regular wickets falling.
Visakhapatnam, Oct 16 (NationPress) Australia has clinched a place in the semi-finals of the Women’s World Cup with a commanding victory over Bangladesh, winning by 10 wickets on Thursday.
This triumph propelled Australia to the top of the standings, amassing nine points from five matches, whereas Bangladesh languished in sixth place with just two points.
After Bangladesh chose to bat first, Australia chased down a target of 199 with ease, wrapping up their innings in under 25 overs. The unbroken partnership of 202 runs between openers Alyssa Healy and Phoebe Litchfield stands as the second-highest for any wicket against Bangladesh Women in ODIs, surpassed only by the 243-run stand between South Africa’s Tasmin Brits and Wolvaardt in Benoni earlier this year.
Healy showcased her exceptional skills, scoring an unbeaten 113 off just 77 balls, marking her second century of the tournament with 20 boundaries. Meanwhile, Litchfield provided solid support, finishing with 84 not out, which included 12 fours and a six, as they completed the chase comfortably with a 199-run partnership.
Alana King, the leg-spinner, was named Player of the Match for her impressive bowling figures of 2-18 in 10 overs, which featured four maiden overs.
Earlier in the match, Sobhana Mostary steadied Bangladesh’s innings with a resilient 66* off 80 balls, leading her team to a total of 198/9. Her innings, which included nine fours, marked the first 50-plus score by a Bangladesh batter against Australia in ODIs. Rubya Haider added a valuable 44 runs, but frequent wickets hampered Bangladesh from gaining any momentum.
Australia’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance, with missed opportunities notwithstanding. Alana King (2/18) and Georgia Wareham (2/22) were particularly effective, while Ashleigh Gardner (2/47) and Annabel Sutherland (2/42) provided crucial breakthroughs. Megan Schutt set the tone early by dismissing opener Fargana Hoque.
Bangladesh is set to face Sri Lanka on October 20, while Australia will look to continue their unbeaten run against England on October 22.