Bangladesh’s familiar batting struggles against Australia resurfaced in Brisbane as the hosts bowled them out for 166 before Phoebe Litchfield’s blistering 77 off 57 balls powered a seven-wicket victory in the first ODI on Friday.
Australia reached their target with 24.2 overs to spare at Allan Border Field, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Bangladesh showed some resistance through the middle and lower order, but their total never threatened the hosts.
Megan Schutt set the tone with the first ball of the match, inducing Fargana Hoque to edge a swinging delivery to Litchfield at slip. Schutt then trapped Sarmin Sultana lbw for four to leave Bangladesh at 11-2. She finished with 2-19 from 10 overs and reached 150 ODI wickets, becoming the third Australian woman to achieve the milestone.
Sharmin Akhter counter-attacked with 24 off 26 balls, including five fours, but Annabel Sutherland removed her to make it 33-3. Sutherland also dismissed Sobhana Mostary for two and later took the wickets of Rabeya Khan and the final batter, finishing with 4-30.
Captain Nigar Sultana tried to rebuild with a patient 29 from 86 balls. Shorna Akter added 21 off 50 deliveries, while Ritu Moni provided the innings’ biggest contribution with 45 from 63 balls. Moni’s effort helped Bangladesh reach 166 before they were bowled out in 49.4 overs.
Australia’s chase quickly erased any prospect of a close finish. Georgia Voll made 19 before Habiba Islam Pinky, making her ODI debut, helped remove her. Litchfield then accelerated, reaching her half-century from 35 balls and putting Australia firmly in control.
Bangladesh finally dismissed Litchfield for 77 when Ritu Moni took a catch off Rabeya Khan, but the opener had already shared a 90-run partnership with Ellyse Perry. Perry remained unbeaten on 26 as Australia completed the chase comfortably.
The teams return to the same venue on Sunday for the second ODI.
