Sobhana Mostary’s unbeaten 66 helped Bangladesh post 198/9 against Australia in their Women’s Cricket World Cup clash at Visakhapatnam. The defending champions uncharacteristically dropped four catches, including two off Mostary in consecutive deliveries, allowing Bangladesh to set their highest ODI total against Australia.

Dropped Catches Cost Australia Dear
Australia’s fielding woes began early when Rubya Haider was given two lives on 22. Phoebe Litchfield couldn’t hold a tough chance at slipping off Megan Schutt, before captain Alyssa Healy spilt another behind the stumps off Darcie Brown. Haider capitalised on these reprieves, adding 44 valuable runs before finally falling to Ash Gardner.
The drops continued to plague Australia late in the innings. Mostary, who had already scored a crucial 60 against England earlier in the tournament, was put down twice off consecutive Gardner deliveries. Annabel Sutherland couldn’t complete what would have been a spectacular catch at wide long-on, while Georgia Wareham parried one to the boundary rope at deep midwicket.
Bangladesh batters showed great composure throughout their innings against Australia.
Spinners Keep Bangladesh in Check
Despite the fielding lapses, Australia’s spin trio of Alana King, Georgia Wareham, and Ash Gardner maintained control through the middle overs. King was particularly impressive, taking 2-18 from her 10 overs, including the key wicket of Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana, who was stumped by Healy.
Wareham’s initial five-over spell yielded just six runs and two wickets, reducing Bangladesh to 162/8. The leg-spinner finished with figures of 2-22, while Gardner claimed 2-38 despite being targeted by Mostary in the final overs.
Annabel Sutherland continued her excellent tournament, picking up two wickets to move clear as the leading wicket-taker. Her dismissal of Nishita Akter Nishi, after successfully reviewing LBWLBWw decision, showcased Australia’s tactical acumen despite their fielding struggles.

Bangladesh’s Fighting Spirit Shines Through
Mostary’s innings epitomised Bangladesh’s growing confidence in this World Cup. The right-hander brought up her second fifty of the tournament with a clever steer through deep third, adding crucial runs in the death overs. Her unbeaten 66 came off 75 balls and included vital boundaries when Bangladesh needed them most.
Mostary showed great determination throughout her match-winning knock
The final three overs yielded 28 runs, with Mostary finding gaps in the field despite Australia’s attempts to restrict the scoring. This late surge pushed Bangladesh close to the 200-mark, a total that could prove competitive given the pitch conditions and evening dew factor in Visakhapatnam.
For Bangladesh, this performance continues their impressive showing against top teams. Having already pushed England and South Africa close in earlier matches, they’ve demonstrated the ability to compete with the world’s best. The total of 198/9 represents their highest ODI score against Australia, marking another milestone in their cricketing journey.
Australia, despite restricting Bangladesh below 200, will be concerned about their fielding performance. The four dropped catches and 28 runs conceded in the final three overs are uncharacteristic of the usually clinical defending champions. As they prepare for the chase under lights, they’ll need to quickly forget these lapses and focus on maintaining their unbeaten run in the tournament.