Visakhapatnam: Sobhana Mostary hit a fighting half-century as Bangladesh Women’s team put up 198-9 against mighty Australia in their fifth game of the ICC Cricket World Cup at Visakhapatnam today. Bangladesh might be confident about their chance to upset the defending champions, since the spinners got turn and bounce aplenty as evidenced in the performance of the Australian spinners, who bagged six Bangladesh wickets with economical bowling show.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Sobhana was key in helping the side to push the total toward 200, with her 80-ball 66 not out, studded with nine fours. Opener Rubya Haider Jhilik, who made 44, carried the innings for a brief period after losing her opening partner Farzana Haque Pinky for 8 as Australian spinners kept them at bay. She kept the innings steady until offspinner Ashleigh Gardner dismissed her, ending a smooth 41-run partnership between her and Supta.
However, Supta (19) and captain Nigar Sultana Joty (12) were dismissed in quick succession and a collapse followed, raising a prospect of being all out below 150. Sobhana showed a steely resolve as the wickets tumbled around her. She took on the Australian pacers with precision as Bangladesh scored 37 runs in the last five overs.
Alana King, Georgia Wareham, and Ashleigh Gardner-the three spinners of Australia-shared six wickets amongst them, taking two wickets apiece. Pacer Annabel Sutherland grabbed 2-41 while Megan Schutt picked up one wicket.