Despite a record-breaking century from Sobhana
Mostary, Bangladesh suffered a nine-wicket defeat to Australia in the second
ODI at Allan Border Field in Brisbane today.
The victory helped Australia take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match
series, making the third one a dead-rubber.
The big margin defeat was particularly frustrating for Bangladesh as they
made some records to savour in the match.
Sobhana hit 118 off 134, an innings laced with 18 boundaries. While the 118
was highest individual score by a female batter of Bangladesh, her 72 runs
from boundaries was also highest amongst the Bangladesh’s female batter.
Skipper Nigar Sultana Joty made 74 not out and put on 195-run with Sobhana
for the fourth wicket, a partnership that was also highest for Bangladesh in
any wicket against any team, breaking 152 runs by Joty and Sharmin Akter
Supta.
But despite the record-galore, Bangladesh were bowled out for 220-6, largely
due to the failure of other batters. No other than Joty and Sobhana could
make double digits in the match.
Bangladesh were reduced to 8-3 after being asked to bat first as they failed
to deal with Megan Schutt properly.
Sobhana and Joty then steadied the side and paved the platform of 200 plus
total. Schutt ended with 4-36 and also effected a run-out.
But Australia made the chase a cake-walk, riding on a marauding 97 ball-131
not out from opener Georgia Voll, whose innings included 19 fours.
She and her fellow opener Phoebe Litchfield shared 162 runs for the opening
stand to edge the side closer to an effortless victory.
Litchfield was dismissed by Shorna Akter for 51 ball-70 but Voll, accompanied
by Ellyse Perry who was not out on 19, eased past the target, reaching 222-1
in 28.1 overs.
The series-ending third ODI will be held on Wednesday at the same venue.
