Australia began their three-match ODI series against Bangladesh with a seven-wicket victory at Allan Border Field in Brisbane, chasing down a target of 167 with 24.2 overs to spare. Annabel Sutherland starred with the ball before Phoebe Litchfield produced a fluent half-century to give the hosts a 1-0 lead in the series.
The victory also extended Australia’s unbeaten ODI record at Allan Border Field to 22 matches.
Sutherland Leads Australia’s Bowling Effort
Bangladesh endured a difficult start after being sent in to bat, losing Fargana Hoque from the very first delivery. Megan Schutt struck again in her next over to dismiss Sarmin Sultana lbw, reaching the milestone of 150 ODI wickets and becoming only the third Australian woman to achieve the feat.
Annabel Sutherland then tightened Australia’s grip by removing Sharmin Akhter with a well-directed short ball, leaving Bangladesh under pressure inside the Powerplay.
The visitors slipped to 48/4 before captain Nigar Sultana attempted to rebuild the innings. However, Bangladesh struggled to score freely through the middle overs, with Nigar making 29 from 86 deliveries as Australia kept the scoring rate under control. Ritu Moni provided the only real momentum for Bangladesh, scoring 45 off 63 before being run out.
Sutherland mixed her pace effectively throughout her spell, frequently using slower deliveries to prevent Bangladesh from accelerating. She finished with outstanding figures of 4 for 30, while Schutt claimed 2 for 19 as Bangladesh were bowled out for 166.
Litchfield Makes Light Work of the Chase
Australia’s pursuit began aggressively as Georgia Voll and Phoebe Litchfield quickly put pressure on the Bangladesh bowlers.
Bangladesh found some encouragement through 17-year-old ODI debutant Habiba Islam, who dismissed Voll with a sharp bouncer. The young pacer later added the wicket of Beth Mooney after producing late movement that forced a miscued shot.
Despite those breakthroughs, Litchfield dominated the chase.
The left-hander attacked from the outset, striking three consecutive boundaries in one over against Marufa Akter before launching Habiba over mid-on for the only six of the match.
Litchfield also showcased her range against the spinners, including one of her trademark reverse sweeps off Nahida Akter, and reached her half-century from just 35 deliveries.
She shared a 90-run second-wicket partnership with Ellyse Perry, whose 15 complemented Litchfield’s aggressive approach.
Litchfield eventually fell for an excellent 77 after driving Rabeya Khan to cover, but by then Australia were firmly in control. The hosts comfortably completed the chase to seal victory with seven wickets in hand and take an early advantage in the series.
