Australia Restricts Bangladesh to 198/9 in Women's ODI World Cup

Visakhapatnam, Oct 16 (PTI) - In a Women's ODI World Cup match held on Thursday, Australia's disciplined bowling attack limited Bangladesh to a modest 198 for 9. Opting to bat first, Bangladesh had a steady, albeit cautious, start against the seven-time world champions. Rubya Haider and Shobana Mostary were pivotal in Bangladesh's scoring effort, with Mostary's remarkable 66 not out off 80 balls, featuring nine boundaries, standing as the highest individual score by a Bangladeshi batter against Australia in women's cricket. Despite a promising start, Bangladesh's innings lacked the necessary momentum, as the batters found it challenging to rotate the strike effectively. Haider and Mostary's contributions ensured that Bangladesh edged closer to the 200-run mark, although the overall batting display lacked fluency. Opening the innings, Haider and Fargana Hoque put on a 32-run partnership in nine overs before Hoque fell to Megan Scutt, who induced an edge that was neatly caught by Beth Mooney at slip. Haider played aggressively, striking eight boundaries in her 59-ball 44 before perishing while trying to slog sweep Ashleigh Gardner, ultimately caught by Tahlia McGrath at mid-on. Gardner also dismissed Sharmin Akter, who was caught by Annabel Sutherland at mid-on. Bangladesh's skipper Nigar Sultana, managing only 12 runs off 35 balls, was stumped by Alyssa Healy off the bowling of leg-spinner Alana King. While Mostary remained steadfast at one end, a flurry of wickets from the other end saw Bangladesh lose Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Fahima Khatun, and Rabeya Khan in quick succession. Australia's bowlers shared the spoils, with King (2/18), Sutherland (2/41), Gardner (2/49), and Georgia Wareham (2/22) each taking two wickets.