Defending champions Australia have qualified for the knockout stage of the Women’s World Cup after a commanding ten-wicket victory over Bangladesh in Visakhapatnam on March 15, 2024. Chasing a target of 199 runs, captain Alyssa Healy and opening partner Phoebe Litchfield formed an unbroken 202-run partnership, completing the chase in just 24.5 overs.
Healy scored a remarkable 113 not out off 77 balls, marking the second-fastest century in World Cup history. This performance follows her earlier innings of 142 runs against India, showcasing her exceptional form. Litchfield also contributed significantly, finishing with 84 runs from 72 balls, as Australia cruised to victory.
Earlier in the match, Bangladesh set a total of 198 runs, their highest ODI score against Australia. After winning the toss, captain Nigar Sultana Joty opted to bat first. Opener Rubya Haider scored 44 runs off 59 balls, but it was Sobhana Mostary‘s unbeaten 66 off 80 deliveries that anchored the innings. Despite a promising start at 73 for 1, Bangladesh collapsed to 165 all out, largely due to Australia’s spin attack.
Australia’s Spin Attack Shines
Leg-spinner Alana King played a pivotal role, earning the player of the match title with figures of 2 for 18 in ten overs, including four maidens. Other spinners, Ash Gardner and Georgia Wareham, each took two wickets, while all-rounder Annabel Sutherland solidified her position as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with two scalps.
King commented on the team’s strategy, saying, “There has been a bit of spin here and length is key. We wanted to bowl to our strengths. Really happy to keep them to a reasonable score today and play my part.”
Despite their success, Australia’s fielding performance was notably below par, with six dropped catches, including two by Healy. The wicketkeeper also missed a review opportunity that could have resulted in a wicket for seam bowler Darcie Brown. Healy acknowledged the team’s shortcomings, stating, “I thought I was a little bit poor behind the stumps, and probably a little bit as skipper as well tonight.”
Next Challenge Awaits
Australia’s victory secures their place in the knockout rounds with two matches remaining in the group stage. Healy’s consecutive centuries mark the second time she has achieved this feat in World Cup history, having previously done so during the 2022 tournament in New Zealand.
King praised Healy’s determination, stating, “To do it against India was massive, and then to do it again tonight shows where her mindset’s at.”
Looking ahead, Australia will face the unbeaten England team in Indore on March 20, 2024. King expressed confidence in the team’s momentum, saying, “It’s always nice when you’ve got the ‘Q’ next to your name in a World Cup. We look forward to going back to Indore to take on England and South Africa.”
With their recent performances, Australia remains a formidable contender in this year’s tournament, aiming to defend their title and secure another World Cup victory.
