Australia sealed a clean sweep of the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh with a commanding eight-wicket win at Allan Border Field in Brisbane. Fast bowler Megan Schutt, named player of the match and player of the series, set up the victory with a devastating spell of 4-16.
Chase completed in 23 overs
Chasing Bangladesh's total of 172 all out, Australia reached 175-2 inside 23 overs. Ellyse Perry (65 not out off 64 deliveries) and Annabel Sutherland (74 not out off 52) added 137 for the third wicket to guide the hosts home.
Australia lost openers Georgia Voll (11) and Beth Mooney (21) early in the run chase. Mooney, playing her 100th ODI, was dismissed by Bangladesh debutant quick Disha Biswas with her second delivery in ODI cricket. From that point, Perry and Sutherland dominated the chase.
Schutt's masterclass at Allan Border Field
Schutt bowled 10 consecutive overs at the Brisbane venue, taking 4-16 and bowling 53 dot balls. Her series haul finished at 10 wickets with an average of 7.1. She now has 28 wickets in 14 ODIs at Allan Border Field, the most by any bowler at that ground.
Schutt removed Murshida Khartun (one) in the third over, caught by Georgia Wareham in the gully. Sarmin Sultana (six) was caught by Alana King, while Nigar Sultana (three) and Sobhana Mostary (nine) also fell to the speedster.
Bangladesh fightback and Litchfield injury
Shramin Akhter (50) anchored Bangladesh's innings, supported by 19-year-old allrounder Shorna Akter, whose 54 off 71 deliveries was her highest ODI score. Akter was stumped by wicketkeeper Mooney in her milestone match.
Australia opener Phoebe Litchfield was ruled out of the match with a low-grade hip strain and replaced by allrounder Nicola Carey. Litchfield, who scored 77 and 70 in the series, will be monitored ahead of the three-game T20 series against New Zealand starting in Sydney on Tuesday. Mooney will open the innings in her absence, with Carey slated to bat at No.8.
