Table-toppers Australia are aiming for another commanding victory over Bangladesh in the Women`s Cricket World Cup match on Thursday, with attention on Ellyse Perry`s fitness. The Australians lead the standings with seven points from four games (three wins and one wash-out) and come into this fixture after a recent triumph over co-hosts India.
Any doubts about Australia`s form in the competition were dispelled by Alyssa Healy`s side, who set a world record chase in women`s ODIs, demonstrating their ambition for a potential eighth title. Healy led brilliantly, scoring 142 runs off 102 balls, including 21 fours and three sixes. This allowed Australia to successfully chase down 331 runs, securing victory with an over to spare.
The match concluded with a six from Perry, though the distinguished all-rounder had to leave the field due to cramps. Despite her taking a few laps in the stadium`s parking lot, much to the amusement of onlookers, before returning to complete the job, Australia would prefer to avoid such issues for their key player as they aim to peak for the business end of the tournament.
Australia will also need to refine their bowling, having conceded 330 runs on what has been a batting-friendly pitch here. Scoreboard pressure can work differently on any given day. The multi-time World Cup winners have shown different players stepping up in each of their three completed matches. They may expect an easier outing against Bangladesh, but there can be no room for complacency.
Notwithstanding the significant gap in skill between Australian players and almost every other team in the competition, they must be wary of the fact that Bangladesh pushed South Africa close in their last outing, losing by only a narrow margin of three wickets. Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana efficiently deployed her spinners, even if Marufa Akter didn`t have her best day with the ball against South Africa. The Proteas women had to work hard for their runs, winning with just three balls and as many wickets to spare.
Bangladesh rebounded impressively after their 100-run loss to New Zealand with a collective batting performance. Half-centuries from Sharmin Akhter (50) and Shorna Akter (51 not out) enabled them to post 232/6 batting first, which proved to be almost enough against a strong side like South Africa.
Both Australia and Bangladesh understand that runs will be a valuable commodity at this venue, and the team batting first will look to apply scoreboard pressure.
Squads
Australia:
- Alyssa Healy (c&wk)
- Phoebe Litchfield
- Beth Mooney (wk)
- Georgia Voll
- Ashleigh Gardner
- Kim Garth
- Heather Graham
- Alana King
- Tahlia McGrath
- Sophie Molineux
- Ellyse Perry
- Annabel Sutherland
- Darcie Brown
- Megan Schutt
- Georgia Wareham
Bangladesh:
- Nigar Sultana (c & wk)
- Fargana Hoque
- Sobhana Mostary
- Rubya Haider
- Sharmin Akhter
- Rabeya Khan
- Ritu Moni
- Shorna Akter
- Sumaiya Akter
- Fahima Khatun
- Fariha Trisna
- Marufa Akter
- Nahida Akter
- Nishita Akter Nishi
- Sanjida Akter Meghla
Match starts at 3:00 PM IST.
