Australia maintained their unbeaten record in the Women's Cricket World Cup, but only just, after a five-wicket win over Bangladesh in Wellington. Chasing a modest target of 135, the Australians slumped to 41-4 before Beth Mooney's unbeaten 66 steered them home.
Offspinner Salma Khatun caused the early damage, taking three wickets for 23 runs, including Australia captain Meg Lanning for a duck on her 30th birthday. However, Mooney and Annabel Sutherland, who made 26 not out, added 66 for the fifth wicket to guide Australia to 136-5 with more than 10 overs to spare.
Earlier, Bangladesh were restricted to 135-6 in a match reduced to 43 overs per side due to rain. Spinners Jess Jonassen and Ash Gardner took two wickets each to keep Bangladesh in check, with Lata Moudal top-scoring with 33.
Australia's win leaves them as the only unbeaten team in the tournament with a 7-0 record, while Bangladesh have one win from six matches. Australia will now prepare for the semi-finals, with allrounder Ellyse Perry expected to be fit after missing this match with back spasms.
