Megan Schutt stars as Australia complete 3-0 series sweep against Bangladesh
Megan Schutt's four wickets led to Australia's eight-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the third One-Day International on Wednesday (October 14) at Allan Border Field in Brisbane, completing a 3-0 series sweep. Annabel Sutherland and Ellyse Perry scored unbeaten half-centuries to help the hosts reach their target of 173 in just 22.4 overs, and Schutt finished with figures of 4 for 16.
As soon as Bangladesh made the decision to bowl, Australia made its first inroads thanks to Schutt, who tore apart the top order and left the visitors struggling at 45 for 4. Before dismissing captain Nigar Sultana and Sobhana Mostary, the pacer early removed Murshida Khatun and Sarmin Sultana, putting Bangladesh in trouble.
After that, Shorna Akter and Sharmin Akhter put up some resistance with a 54-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Before losing to Perry in the 34th over, Sharmin hit eight boundaries and made 50 of 93 balls. Bangladesh's attempt to recover from their initial setbacks was aided by Shorna's 54 runs off 71 deliveries, which allowed him to continue the innings.
Shorna was helped by Rabeya Khan and Disha Biswas, who added 27 and 23 for the seventh and eighth wickets, respectively. However, Australia kept chipping away at the lower order. Shorna and Habiba Islam Pinky were bowled out by Sutherland, and Ashleigh Gardner took two wickets. In the end, Bangladesh were bowled out for 172 in 49.5 overs.
Australia's chase began aggressively, with Georgia Voll striking 11 off six balls before being dismissed LBW by Sultana Khatun. Beth Mooney also got off to a good start, scoring 21 runs in 14 deliveries, but she lost to Disha Biswas at 38 for 2 in the game.
That was as good as it got for Bangladesh. Perry and Sutherland took charge with an unbroken 137-run partnership for the third wicket off just 104 balls, bringing Australia home with more than 27 overs remaining. Sutherland was unbeaten on 74 not out from 52 deliveries, hitting 12 boundaries, while Perry remained unbeaten on 65 off 64 balls.
