Australia clinches a commanding semi-final berth
In a high-stakes clash at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, Australia secured a place in the semi-finals with a spectacular 10-wicket win over Bangladesh. Asked to bat first after winning the toss, Bangladesh posted 198/9, but the Australian chase was flawless as Alyssa Healy and Phoebe Litchfield breezed to the target in under 25 overs. The result reinforced Australia’s dominance in the tournament and left Bangladesh with a tough road to qualification as they head into the final group-stage fixtures.
Healy’s stellar ton sets the tone
Alyssa Healy continued her sensational form, blasting 113 off 77 balls to become the tournament’s top-scorer. The Australia captain’s innings featured 20 boundaries, underscoring her ability to accelerate and convert starts into monumental scores. Shealy’s opening stand with Litchfield dismantled Bangladesh’s plans, putting the game beyond doubt early in the chase.
Litchfield’s classy support caps the chase
Phoebe Litchfield provided immensely valuable support with a calculated 84 off 85 balls, including 12 fours and a six. The left-hander anchored the innings, ensuring Australia’s chase stayed on track as Bangladesh’s bowlers tried various avenues to stem the tide.
Bangladesh fight amid a challenging total
Bangladesh’s Sobhana Mostary battled valiantly for 66 off 80, guiding her team to 198/9. Mostary’s county-like commitment kept Bangladesh in the contest deep into the innings, aided by Rubya Haider’s 44 and a late push that yielded 28 runs in the final three overs. This was a measured innings that demonstrated Bangladesh’s fight and potential, even as the scoreboard tension swung in the opposite direction on the field.
Australia’s bowlers keep the lid on the innings
Bowling for Australia, Alana King and Georgia Wareham each claimed two wickets, delivering key breakthroughs at crucial moments. King struck early, trapping Farzana Haque, while Gardner and Sutherland chipped in, taking two apiece and keeping the pressure on throughout the innings. Ashleigh Gardner and Annabel Sutherland also contributed with wickets, though the Bangladeshi resistance, especially from Mostary and Haider, persevered until the late overs.
Dominant fielding and an unblemished run
The win extended Australia’s unbeaten run in the tournament and solidified their top position on the points table with nine points from five matches. The team’s balance—dominant batting, disciplined bowling, and sharp fielding—remains a defining feature as they head toward the knockout rounds. This performance also served as a reminder that Australia can absorb a few tough moments and still finish with a commanding result when their top order fires.
What’s next for the teams?
Bangladesh will aim to bounce back in their next match against hosts Sri Lanka on October 20, looking to secure a crucial win and keep their semi-final hopes alive. Australia, meanwhile, will seek to extend their winning streak and consolidate top spot as they prepare for a marquee clash against England on October 22. The tournament’s narrative continues to tilt in Australia’s favor, with the defending champions demonstrating why they are a constant threat in global women’s cricket.
