Bangladesh Women are preparing for a landmark moment as they begin their first-ever bilateral ODI series in Australia. The three-match contest starts at Allan Border Field in Brisbane, where the visitors will attempt to upset the world’s top-ranked side.
Australia enter the series as overwhelming favourites. The seven-time world champions sit atop the ICC rankings and have won all five previous ODI meetings against Bangladesh.
Nigar Sultana confident despite the challenge
Captain Nigar Sultana believes Bangladesh can compete if the team delivers collectively rather than relying on individual performances.
She highlighted the ODI format as Bangladesh’s strongest, expressing confidence that the squad can execute its plans in unfamiliar Australian conditions after gaining valuable experience during a warm-up match.
Bangladesh return to one-day cricket after almost five months, hoping a positive mindset will help them produce an improved display.
Bangladesh seek improvement after difficult run
The visitors arrive following disappointing campaigns in both the Women’s Asia Cup and the Asian Games, while they also lost their most recent ODI series against Sri Lanka. Their last ODI series victory came against Ireland in 2024.
Bangladesh also suffered a 72-run defeat to Queensland in their only warm-up fixture before the Australia series.
Despite those setbacks, Sultana believes the preparation has helped the players adapt to the extra pace and bounce they will face in Brisbane.
David Hemp encourages positive approach
New head coach David Hemp wants his players to play without fear during the series.
Having previously worked in Australian cricket, Hemp has guided the squad on local conditions and stressed that Bangladesh should avoid leaving the tour with regrets over a cautious approach.
He believes the practice sessions and warm-up game have helped the players adjust to Australian pitches and encouraged them to remain positive regardless of the opposition.
Bowling attack faces key test
Bangladesh’s bowling unit will again rely heavily on Marufa Akter, while uncapped fast bowlers Habiba Islam Pinky and Disha Biswas have been included for the tour.
Habiba impressed in the warm-up match by claiming four wickets, offering encouragement ahead of the opening ODI.
Australia wary of Bangladesh’s attack
Australia are also returning to ODI cricket after a five-month break and will be led by Tahlia McGrath, with regular captain Sophie Molineux unavailable because of a hip injury.
McGrath praised Bangladesh’s bowling attack, highlighting Marufa Akter’s ability to swing the new ball and the challenge posed by the visitors’ spin bowlers.
Australia have spent time preparing for Bangladesh’s varied attack and expect a competitive series despite entering as clear favourites.
