A brilliant innings from Phoebe Litchfield and a milestone performance from Megan Schutt guided Australia to a comfortable victory over Bangladesh, extending the hosts’ unbeaten record at Allan Border Field to 22 One-Day Internationals.
Chasing a modest target of 167, Australia reached the total in just 25.4 overs for the loss of three wickets after bowling Bangladesh out for 166.
Litchfield was the standout performer with a dazzling 77 from 57 balls, producing a wide range of attacking strokes as she dominated the Bangladesh bowling attack. Her innings included elegant drives, clever ramps, powerful hits and innovative strokeplay that highlighted why she is regarded as one of the most exciting batters in women’s cricket.
The left-handed opener raced to her 12th ODI half-century, setting the foundation for Australia’s straightforward chase.
Annabel Sutherland, who was named Player of the Match, contributed an unbeaten 26 to help complete the victory after earlier producing a match-winning spell with the ball.
Australia’s dominance began much earlier when veteran fast bowler Megan Schutt reached a significant career milestone by claiming her 150th ODI wicket, joining an elite group of bowlers in women’s international cricket.
Stand-in captain Tahlia McGrath elected to field first, and Schutt made an immediate impact by striking with the very first ball of the match. Her delivery climbed sharply and induced an edge from Bangladesh opener Fargana Hoque, who was caught in the slips.
Schutt struck again shortly afterward when an inswinging delivery trapped Sarmin Sultana leg-before wicket for just four runs.
From that point, Australia’s bowling attack maintained relentless pressure. Regular wickets and disciplined bowling prevented Bangladesh from building partnerships or accelerating the scoring rate.
The visitors were eventually dismissed with the fourth ball of the final over, managing only 166 runs despite occasional resistance from the middle order.
Australia’s all-round performance once again demonstrated the strength and depth of the world champions, with both bat and ball contributing to another convincing victory.
The win continues Australia’s impressive record at Allan Border Field and provides further momentum as they continue their ODI campaign against Bangladesh.
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