Australia seal semi-final berth with emphatic win over Bangladesh
The stage was set for a crucial clash as Australia faced Bangladesh in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. Chasing a modest 199, the top-ranked side didn’t break a sweat, cruising to a 10-wicket victory in under 25 overs. The win not only cemented Australia’s place at the summit of the points table but also underscored why they remain favorites for the tournament title.
How the match unfolded
Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat first, hoping to post a competitive total. Sobhana Mostary’s restrained yet impactful 66 off 80 balls anchored the innings, and Rubya Haider chipped in with a useful 44, lifting Bangladesh to 198/9 by the end of their 50 overs. The innings featured a late surge, with 28 runs coming in the final three overs that kept the match within reach of a competitive total.
Australia’s bowlers dried up the pressure after the early moments, with Alyssa Healy and Phoebe Litchfield providing Nigar Sultana Joty’s side no meaningful acceleration. Australia’s pace and spin collectively strangled the middle and lower order, while Sobhana’s resistance faded into a lone stand as wickets fell at regular intervals.
Key performances push Australia to the top
Alyssa Healy produced a masterclass, scoring 113 off 77 balls, her second century of the tournament, with 20 boundaries shaping a dominant innings. She partnered with Phoebe Litchfield, who added 84 runs off 92 balls. The opening pair’s alliance set a rapid tone for the chase and effectively removed any doubt about Australia’s path to victory.
On the bowling side, Australia benefited from the all-round contributions of their bowlers earlier in the day. Alana King (2/18) and Georgia Wareham (2/22) led the way with two wickets apiece, while Ashleigh Gardner and Annabel Sutherlandalso claimed two each. Megan Schutt added a breakthrough as she dismissed Farzana Haque, the opening spark for Bangladesh, keeping the chase from gathering momentum.
Strategic execution and tournament implications
Australia’s comprehensive performance demonstrated why they are unbeaten in the tournament to date. By securing a 10-wicket win, they moved to nine points from five matches, sitting comfortably atop the standings. Bangladesh, despite Mostary’s valiant 66, remain at the bottom of the table, with two points from five games, and still have opportunities to build momentum in forthcoming fixtures as they prepare for matches against host Sri Lanka in the next round.
The encounter also highlighted Australia’s depth, with all phases of the game contributing to the result. The bowlers applied pressure from the outset, and the fielding unit supported the attack with sharp work at crucial moments—most notably Beth Mooney’s sharp catch at point that dismissed Shorna Akter on King’s bowling, preventing a late flourish for the visitors.
What’s next for the teams
Bangladesh will take on hosts Sri Lanka on October 20 as they aim to salvage pride in their campaign. Australia’s focus now shifts to maintaining their unbeaten run as they prepare for a high-stakes clash with England on October 22, a match that could further consolidate their semi-final credentials and potentially shape the knockout stage seeding.
Bottom line
In a display of clinical cricket, Australia asserted their status as favourites for the Women’s World Cup 2025, delivering a statement win that sealed a semi-final spot and reinforced their status as one of the most complete sides in women’s cricket.
