Australia Women keep India on their toes, sweep past Bangladesh with ease

Australia continued their impressive run to the 2026 Women’s World T20 Cup with a dominant nine-wicket victory over Bangladesh at Headingley, Leeds, on Wednesday 17 June. The win strengthened the Aussies’ hold on top of Group A and put them in a prime position to qualify for the semi-finals.

After starting their campaign with a comprehensive 65-run win over South Africa, Australia carried that momentum into another one-sided performance. Under Sophie Molineux, they are steadily cementing their place in the semi-finals, leaving India and South Africa to battle it out for the remaining spot in the group.

Australia vs Bangladesh Women’s World Cup T20: Highlights | Scorecard

Australia also raised their net run rate from 3.250 to 3.875, keeping India under pressure by maintaining an edge in a metric that could prove crucial later in the tournament.

AUSTRALIAN BOWLERS SEPT

Sophie Molineux picked up 2 wickets against Bangladesh. Courtesy: AFP

Australia Women underlined why they remain one of the favorites for the title with a ruthless display in the bowling department. The six-time champions produced a clinical bowling performance to restrict Bangladesh to just 77/8 after opting to field first.

Bangladesh never recovered after losing two wickets in the first four overs. Kim Garth and Sophie Molineux struck twice each, while Ellyse Perry also claimed two wickets to dismantle the middle order.

Captain Nigar Sultana waged a lone battle with 27 off 47 balls, but Bangladesh managed just 70 runs from the bat, scoring at a slow rate of 3.85 runs per over. Australia’s bowlers kept up the relentless pressure, with Annabel Sutherland and Georgia Wareham also claiming a wicket each.

The performance was even more impressive given that Australia were without key players Ash Gardner and Phoebe Litchfield due to injuries. Still, their depth came to the fore again as every pitcher contributed to the squeeze. Australia’s disciplined attack conceded just seven overs and never allowed Bangladesh to build a meaningful partnership.

FINISH AUSTRALIA IN STYLE

Australia were chasing 78 with 63 balls to spare. Courtesy: AFP

Australia made light work of the 78-run target as they chased it down from 63 balls. After their bowlers dismantled Bangladesh’s batting line-up, the batsmen ensured there were no hiccups, reaching the target in just 9.3 overs and further increasing their impressive net rate.

Openers Georgia Voll and Beth Mooney put Bangladesh under immediate pressure, taking Australia to 49/1 in the overs and effectively putting the result beyond doubt in the first six overs.

Mooney scored 10 off 10 balls before becoming the only wicket to fall, dismissed by Marufa Akter. However, Voll continued to dominate and finished unbeaten on 45 off 32 deliveries, an innings packed with six fours and a six.

Ellyse Perry then joined Voll in the middle and ensured there were no more setbacks. The veteran all-rounder remained unbeaten on 19 off 15 balls and smashed two boundaries as the pair calmly guided Australia home.

Bangladesh’s bowlers struggled to create opportunities while a missed chance in the field only added to their frustration as Australia were firmly in control throughout the chase.

– The end

Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

17 Jun 2026 17:56 IST