Bangladesh eye response in second WODI after heavy defeat

Bangladesh will look to bounce back from their opening defeat when they face Australia in the second Women’s ODI at Allan Border Field in Brisbane on Sunday, with the hosts leading the three-match series 1-0.

The visitors were bowled out for 166 in 49.4 overs in Friday’s series opener, their first-ever ODI on Australian soil, before Australia cruised to a seven-wicket victory in just 25.4 overs, with 146 balls to spare.

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Megan Schutt struck twice inside the opening nine deliveries to leave Bangladesh reeling at 8 for two. The visitors slipped to 33 for three inside eight overs and struggled to recover, with captain Nigar Sultana Joty making 29 off 86 balls and Ritu Moni top-scoring with a fighting 45 off 63 deliveries.

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“We've got to be cautious against the new ball. Can’t lose so many wickets in the Powerplay. Need to be calm and patient to get control,” Joty said after the defeat, identifying the area Bangladesh must address ahead of the second ODI.

Australia’s Annabel Sutherland claimed four wickets for 30 runs to dismantle the lower order before opener Phoebe Litchfield smashed 77 off 57 balls to lead the chase.

Bangladesh’s brightest spot was 17-year-old debutant Habiba Akter Islam Pinky, who claimed two wickets, including that of opener Georgia Voll.

“Lots of positives. Habiba Pinky was aggressive, attacking. Whoever got the ball in hand bowled in the right areas. Should take these with us into the next game,” Joty said.

The match begins at 9:50 am Bangladesh Standard Time.

Bangladesh will need greater resilience against Australia’s formidable bowling attack, particularly in the Powerplay, and more meaningful partnerships if they are to post a competitive total and level the series.