Overview: Australia march to the semi-finals with a commanding win
Australia booked their place in the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 with a comprehensive 10-wicket victory over Bangladesh. Chasing 199, the top-ranked side, led by Alyssa Healy’s relentless strokeplay and Phoebe Litchfield’s solid support, reached the target in under 25 overs to seal top spot on the table after five games. The result kept Australia undefeated and gave them a fresh cushion heading into the final group-stage fixtures as they bid for back-to-back World Cup glory.
Bangladesh’s innings: a brave effort builds a competitive total
Bangladesh batted first after winning the toss and posted 198/9 in their 50 overs. Sobhana Mostary produced a measured, captain’s innings, finishing unbeaten on 66 off 80 balls and striking nine boundaries to anchor the innings. She found valuable support from Rubya Haider (44), who added a crucial middle-order push as Bangladesh attempted to accelerate in the end overs. Australia’s spinners and pacers applied relentless pressure to keep the scoring in check, with the smaller partnerships stalling just when momentum threatened to look dangerous for the defending champions.
Key moments in the Bangladesh innings
- Mostary’s resilience carried the innings toward a defendable total, particularly during an intense stretch in the death overs where 28 runs came in the final three overs.
- Nigar Sultana Joty and Shorna Akter looked capable of a late flourish until Australia’s bowlers tightened, with Joty eventually dismissed by Beth Mooney at point after a sharp chase.
Australia’s chase: Healy and Litchfield paint a rapid path to victory
The chase began with Australia’s opening pair firing on all cylinders, setting a rapid tempo that Bangladesh failed to disrupt. Alyssa Healy dominated the innings, blasting a magnificent 113 off 77 balls, her second century of the tournament, peppered with 20 boundaries. At the other end, Phoebe Litchfield offered steady support, scoring 84 off 85 balls and hitting 12 fours along with a six, ensuring the chase was comfortable rather than cautious.
Bowling and fielding recital that supported the pursuit
Bangladesh’s response with the ball could not match the Australian onslaught. Australia’s bowlers had kept the pressure on during Bangladesh’s innings, but it was their fielding and the subsequent pressure in the chase that sealed the win. In the bowling department, Alana King and Georgia Wareham were particularly effective, each returning two wickets and helping Australia control the middle overs. Ashleigh Gardner and Annabel Sutherland also contributed with two wickets apiece, with Megan Schutt chipping in with a vital breakthrough early on.
Implications: Australia tops the table, Bangladesh looks to regroup
The victory sent Australia to nine points from five matches, solidifying their position at the top of the standings and leaving Bangladesh on two points. This was the first match in which Australia were not able to bowl out their opponents in the tournament, yet the sheer dominance of their top order and the balance of their attack underscored why they remain favorites for back-to-back titles. For Bangladesh, the focus now shifts to their final group game against hosts Sri Lanka on October 20, as they aim to end the campaign with a momentum-building performance.
Looking ahead: Semi-final prospects and schedule
With the semi-final place secured, Australia will look to consolidate form ahead of their next clash against England on October 22. The defending champions will be keen to maintain unbeaten status and build a winning run that could set up a potential title defense in a tournament that continues to deliver high-quality cricket and dramatic moments.
