Women's T20 World Cup: Australia maintain unbeaten run, beat Bangladesh
What's the story
Australia continued their unbeaten run in the ongoing ICC Women's T20 World Cup, defeating Bangladesh by nine wickets at Headingley, Leeds. The victory was largely due to a stellar bowling performance from Kim Garth (2-18), Sophie Molineux (2-14), and Ellyse Perry (2-14). They restricted Bangladesh to a mere 77 runs. Georgia Voll then led the charge with an unbeaten 45 off just 32 balls, helping Australia chase down the target in just 9.3 overs.
Injury updates
Australia face injury concerns in batting department
Despite the victory, Australia are dealing with some injury concerns. Phoebe Litchfield was ruled out for three games after injuring her quad during Australia's opening win over South Africa. Ashleigh Gardner, who missed Wednesday's game with a sprained ankle, could return to face the Netherlands on Saturday. Grace Harris came into the XI in Leeds to cover the absent batters but her services weren't needed as Australia easily chased down the target against Bangladesh.
Bowling brilliance
Garth, Molineux dent Bangladesh early on
Australia's decision to bowl first after winning the toss paid off handsomely. Garth struck in her very first over, dismissing Dilara Akter Dola for a duck with a full delivery that hit the top of off stump. She then trapped aggressive opener Juairiya Ferdous lbw for eight runs. Molineux also got in on the act, trapping Sharmin Akter Supta (5) lbw three balls later to leave Bangladesh reeling at 3-17 inside Powerplay.
Perry's performance
Perry impresses with rare bowling appearance
In a rare bowling appearance, Perry claimed two wickets in her first over. She had Sobhana Mostary caught at short extra cover by Molineux for four runs and trapped Shorna Akter lbw without scoring three balls later. Despite having bowled in only eight of her last 35 T20Is since 2023, Perry finished with impressive figures of 2-14 from her three overs against Bangladesh.
Match conclusion
Bangladesh post below-par total after poor start
Despite staring at a record low score at 5-27, Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty and Ritu Moni put up a 32-run stand. However, Georgia Wareham broke the partnership by having Moni caught in the deep in the 17th over. Joty's innings ended on 27 off 47 balls when Molineux dismissed her. Annabel Sutherland also contributed with an lbw dismissal of Rabeya Khan (8) with the second last ball of the innings.
Information
Perry adjudged PoM award
Perry was adjudged the Player of the Match award. Besides her impressive figures worth two wickets for 14 runs, she also scored an unbeaten 19 with the bat.