How Did Healy and Litchfield Lead Australia to a 10-Wicket Victory Over Bangladesh in the Women's World Cup?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Alyssa Healy scored a remarkable unbeaten century.
- Phoebe Litchfield supported with 84 not out.
- Australia chased down a target of 199 in 24.5 overs.
- Bangladesh posted a competitive total but struggled against Australia’s bowling.
- Australia remains unbeaten in the tournament.
Visakhapatnam, Oct 16 (NationPress) Australia secured a resounding 10-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the Women’s World Cup match held at Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium on Thursday. The match was highlighted by Captain Alyssa Healy's impressive unbeaten century and Phoebe Litchfield's stellar 84 not out.
This triumph propelled Australia to the top of the standings with nine points from five matches, maintaining their unbeaten streak. Conversely, Bangladesh faced their fourth loss in the tournament.
Chasing a target of 199, Healy and Litchfield made the run chase appear effortless, completing it in just 24.5 overs. Bangladesh began their bowling innings with a maiden over from Fariha Trisna, but Australia quickly found their rhythm, making light work of the total.
Healy, scoring her second consecutive century in the tournament, hit 20 fours in her 113 not out off 77 balls. As the captain, she received strong backing from opening partner Litchfield, who scored a remarkable 84 not out, including 12 fours and a six off 72 balls. The duo suppressed any chances for the Bangladesh bowlers to break through, securing an easy win.
Earlier in the match, Sobhana Mostary's solid performance with an unbeaten half-century helped Bangladesh post a competitive total of 198/9 in 50 overs.
Sobhana's composed innings of 66 not out—marking the first-ever 50-plus score by a Bangladeshi woman against Australia in ODIs—was crucial for her team, allowing them to recover from early setbacks. Despite Australia's sharp bowling, their fielding faltered, with six dropped catches that enabled Bangladesh to reach a respectable score.
Opting to bat first, Bangladesh started cautiously, with openers Fargana Hoque and Rubya Haider contributing 32 runs before Megan Schutt struck in the ninth over. Although Rubina (44) and Sharmin Akhter (24) showed some resistance, Ashleigh Gardner's crucial wickets and Alana King’s spin bowling restricted Bangladesh to 84/3.
Captain Nigar Sultana and young Shorna Akter couldn’t capitalize on their starts, while Georgia Wareham and Annabel Sutherland each claimed two wickets, tightening the grip during the middle and death overs.
Holding one end steady, Sobhana anchored the innings, forming a late partnership with Fariha Trisna, which added an unbeaten 33 runs for the last wicket, inching Bangladesh closer to the 200-run target.
Even though Australia's bowlers dominated the field, Bangladesh's resilience, led by Sobhana's determination, kept the match competitive.
Brief Scores: Bangladesh 198/9 in 50 overs (Sobhana Mostary 66 not out, Rubya Haider 44; Alana King 2-18, Georgia Wareham 2-22) lost to Australia 202/0 in 24.5 overs (Alyssa Healy 113 not out, Phoebe Litchfield 84 not out) by 10 wickets.