Australia is closing in on the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 trophy, having gained a dominant 10-wicket victory over Bangladesh Women, booking their place in the semi-finals and reminding the rest of the competition why they remain the benchmark in women’s cricket. While chasing 199, Alyssa Healy and Phoebe Litchfield effortlessly achieved the target, demonstrating a commendable partnership characterised by top-of-the-order confidence and control.
Healy, appearing to be in rich form this tournament, produced another commanding performance, with an unbeaten 113 off just 77 deliveries, featuring 20 boundaries. Litchfield closed on 84, not out, complimenting Healy with an inning built on timing rather than power. The duo brought up their half-centuries without much fuss, their pace building as the initial discipline shown by the Bangladesh bowlers deteriorated, ensuring that Australia would complete the chase inside 25 overs, lifting them to the top of the table with 9 points while maintaining their unbeaten record.
Sobhana Mostary, from Bangladesh, finished at 66 and guided her side to 198/9. Her 28 runs in the final 3 overs racked up a respectable total, standing as the team’s highest ODI score against Australia. Ruby Haider also made a useful contribution with 44. However, shortly after, the batting lineup struggled to maintain the partnership as the Australian spinners settled in.
Alana King and Georgia Wareham were also crucial in applying pressure. King’s spell of 2/18 from 10 overs, including four maidens, stalled Bangladesh’s momentum during the middle overs. Wareham kept up with 2/22, keeping the run rate in check, while Ashleigh Gardner and Annabel Sutherland also pitched in with wickets to make sure Bangladesh could not fully capitalise on the platform set by their openers. Megan Schutt struck early to remove Farzana Haque, setting the tone for a well-organised bowling display.
Despite their strong layout, Australia’s fielding was far from perfect. Six catches were dropped, and missed chances allowed Bangladesh to stretch their total beyond what seemed likely at 165/9 in the 46th over. Mostary, in particular, benefitted from two reprieves, pushing Australia to work harder than expected for their wickets.
Bangladesh can take positives from the grit shown by Mostary and the early control from debutant Fariha Trisna, who opened with a maiden over. However, once Australia’s chase gained rhythm, the bowlers struggled to create chances. Captain Nigar Sultana shuffled her field placements and even-handed wicketkeeping duties to Rubya to influence the game from the outfield, but the Australian openers remained untroubled.
Healy’s innings were particularly decisive in how they erased any pressure from the scoreboard. Fresh off a century against India, she played with the assurance of a senior leader, manipulating gaps and punishing anything remotely loose. Her partnership with Litchfield is quickly becoming one of Australia’s most reliable assets. Healy ended the match with a flurry of boundaries, emphasising just how clinical Australia can be when their top order fires.
Bangladesh’s upcoming match against Sri Lanka Women offers a chance for the team to regroup and build on the performance seen in this encounter.
Australia experienced lapses in fielding against Bangladesh, the only flaw in their otherwise dominant campaign, despite their formidable batting and a bowling unit that continues to deliver breakthroughs at key moments.
Nonetheless, Australia progresses in the tournament as a formidable competitor for the cup, having already secured a spot in the semi-finals. Yet, as the tournament advances, keeping their performance intensity high will be vital, particularly when competing against tough rivals such as England. Nonetheless, according to recent performance, Australia has certainly positioned itself as the team to challenge in this year’s World Cup.
The next game will be held on October 20, with Bangladesh taking on Sri Lanka, followed by Australia attempting to maintain its unbeaten run against England on October 22.
