Beleaguered Bangladesh Women’s team taste clean sweep

For the third time in a row, Bangladesh Women’s team failed to go past 100 as Australia completed a clean sweep in three-match ODI series, crushing the hosts by eight wickets in the final match today at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

Kim Garth claimed 3-11 from seven overs to lead the side to skittle Bangladesh out for just 89 in 26.2, a small total that Australia eased past in 18.3 overs with 93-2.

Bangladesh lost the first match by 118 runs after being bowled out for 95 runs. Thereafter they were dismissed for just 97 runs in the second game to suffer a six-wicket defeat.

In the final game, which they played to avoid the whitewash, they came up with more miserable performance than the previous two matches. Captain Nigar Sultana was the top-scorer for the side with 16 while No.11 batter Marufa Akter made 15 not out. Shorna Akter and Sultana Khatun were the two other batters to reach double digits by scoring 10 runs each.

Ashliegh Gardner also took 3-25 to complement Garth who was adjudged player of the match. Ellyse Perry and Sophie Molineux took two wickets apiece. Gardner was adjudged player of the series for her 52 runs and eight wickets in three matches.

Captain Alyssa Healy led the charge with 33 while Perry was unbeaten on 27. Beth Moony was on 21 when Australia confirmed the victory.

The two teams now will play three T20 International, slated for March 31, April 2 and 4 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. (BSS)