Bangladesh Women suffered a comprehensive eight-wicket defeat against Australia in the third and final One Day International at Brisbane on Wednesday, sealing a 3-0 series whitewash for the hosts. Nigar Sultana Joty’s side delivered another disappointing performance with the bat, collapsing to 172 all out before the home team chased down the modest target with 164 balls to spare.
Choosing to bat first after winning the toss, Bangladesh experienced an immediate top-order crisis. The visitors lost their first three wickets for just 18 runs, with Australia’s veteran pacer Megan Schutt dismantling the opening order during an exceptional opening spell. Schutt finished with figures of 4 for 16, consistently exploiting the bouncy conditions at the Allan Border Field. Annabel Sutherland provided strong support, taking 2 for 28 to keep the pressure on the visitors.
A spirited fifth-wicket partnership between Sharmin Akhter and Shorna Akter temporarily halted the slide and offered Bangladesh a glimmer of hope. Sharmin scored a patient 50 off 93 balls, anchoring the middle order with composure. Meanwhile, 17-year-old Shorna brought much-needed aggression to the innings, fighting her way to a 71-ball 54—her maiden half-century in ODI cricket. Their combined resilience pushed Bangladesh past the 150-run mark, but the lower order failed to build on the foundation. Tail-end wickets fell at regular intervals, and the innings folded for 172 in 49.5 overs.
Australia’s response was swift and emphatic. Although Bangladesh claimed two early wickets, the hosts faced little resistance thereafter. Ellyse Perry and Annabel Sutherland anchored the pursuit with an unbroken 115-run partnership, comfortably steering their side home in just 22.4 overs. Perry remained undefeated on 65, whilst Sutherland capped off a stellar all-round display with an unbeaten 74.
The heavy defeat leaves Bangladesh searching for answers after a challenging tour of Australia. Batting inconsistencies continue to plague the squad in overseas conditions, leaving captain Nigar Sultana with significant tactical adjustments to address ahead of their upcoming international fixtures.