The Bangladesh women’s cricket team struggled in their maiden tour of Australia, failing to challenge the hosts in any department during the opening match in Brisbane. After being sent in to bat, the visitors were dismissed for 166 in 49.4 overs, allowing Australia to secure a comfortable seven-wicket victory with 24.2 overs to spare. This result gives the Australians a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Bangladesh’s innings began disastrously as experienced opener Fargana Hoque was dismissed on the very first ball. The team continued to lose wickets at regular intervals, with Sharmin Sultana departing at 11 and Sharmin Akter following at 33. Sharmin Akter had shown some promise, scoring 24 runs off 26 balls with five boundaries before falling to a sharp catch by Alana King. Sobhana Mostary also struggled to stabilize the innings, contributing just two runs from 17 deliveries.
Captain Nigar Sultana attempted a recovery with a 35-run partnership alongside Ritu Moni, though the scoring rate remained sluggish. Nigar eventually fell to Tahlia McGrath after scoring 29 off 86 balls. Ritu Moni anchored the lower order, scoring 45 runs off 63 balls before being run out with the team score at 159. Swarna Akter remained unbeaten on 20, while Nahida Akter added 19 not out. For Australia, Annabel Sutherland was the pick of the bowlers, claiming four wickets.
In response, Australia pursued the target with aggressive intent. Although debutant pacer Habiba Islam Pinky provided an early breakthrough by removing Georgia Voll for 30 runs, the Australian momentum remained unchecked. Ellyse Perry and Phoebe Litchfield put together a dominant 89-run stand for the second wicket. While Rabeya Khan eventually dismissed Litchfield after her blistering 77 off 57 balls, and Pinky claimed the wicket of Beth Mooney for 13, the result was never in doubt.
Ellyse Perry remained at the crease to guide the hosts home, finishing with 26 runs from 45 balls. Annabel Sutherland provided the final flourish, remaining unbeaten on 25 as Australia comfortably chased down the target to take the series lead.
