Can Bangladesh turn up as contenders, not obstacle, for mighty Australia?

by Cricbuzz Staff • Last updated on

Australia are unbeaten so far in World Cup 2025. © Getty

Thus far, only rain has managed to get in between Australia and victory. Sure, they suffered a collapse against New Zealand and an even scarier one against Pakistan but both times, they were bailed out by their unmatched temperament and batting depth. Then, when it came time to chase a record 331 against India, Alyssa Healy stepped up with a scintillating 142. Her roaring return to form means they've virtually got no boxes left to tick. Even with three group-stage games still left, their place in the knockouts seems but a certainty. Teams have run them close but never close enough to warrant any real concern in the Australian camp.

So what chance do Bangladesh even have?

For starters, they have shown tremendous promise in this tournament, perhaps never more than when they ran South Africa mightily close in their previous game. However, tantalising hope quickly turned to anguish as they lost their nerve with a famous win nearly in the bag. Yet it was a game full of positive takeaways. For a side that banks on their bowlers for much of their success, the batting unit put up a heartening show. While their spinners remain their biggest strength, they've unearthed a swing-bowling superstar in Marufa Akter. For all their promise and efforts though, a result has remained elusive.

Still, this is undeniably a lopsided contest no matter which way you look at it. Even as Bangladesh quietly hope for a miraculous upset, their primary objective will be to turn up as contenders and not just as another obstacle that Australia flatten in their steady march onward.

When: Thursday, October 16 at 3:00 PM IST

Where: ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam

What to expect: The games at Visakhapatnam have been high-scoring and that trend is expected to continue. With a flat surface and fast outfield on offer, expect the batters to enjoy conditions.

Head to head: 4-0 in Australia's favour in all ODIs, 1-0 in World Cups

Team news

Australia: Both Megan Schutt and Ellyse Perry walked off the field owing to cramps at different stages in the game against India. While Perry returned and steered Australia to victory, Schutt did not. A couple of changes, therefore, might be in store.

Probable XI: Alyssa Healy (C, wk), Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry/Georgia Voll, Beth Mooney, Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Georgia Wareham, Kim Garth, Alana King, Darcie Brown

Bangladesh: Bangladesh are unlikely to tinker with a side that nearly delivered them a famous win.

Probable XI: Rubya Haider, Fargana Hoque, Sharmin Akhter, Nigar Sultana (C, wk), Sobhana Mostary, Fahima Khatun, Shorna Akter, Nahida Akter, Rabeya Khan, Ritu Moni, Marufa Akter

Did you know?

- There have been four hundreds by designated wicketkeepers in Women's ODI World Cups, three of them by Alyssa Healy

- Amongst all bowlers, left-arm spinners have the best average, strike rate and economy in the tournament so far

What they said:

"I think we had a really good series against them a little bit over a year ago which sort of gave us some really good insight. Pretty similar team that they're coming out with in this World Cup so far. So we've got some really good intel on that and can obviously look back at the games so far. Yeah, as you mentioned, they've done a little bit of damage throughout. So yeah, we've had a really thorough look at their team," said Annabel Sutherland

"Actually, there were a lot of moments to feel bad; however, there were a lot of good things that we discussed with our captain and team management after the (previous) match. They encouraged us that we played really well and tried our best up to the last ball. So far, those good things we have, we will play with them in tomorrow's match. Yes, since Australia is the world champion team, we always try to do well against them, and we always play to fight well and for the win - not just to play well, but we try like we must win," said Shobana Mostary

© Cricbuzz

ShareTweet

TAGS

RELATED STORIES

Click here to read article