Australia lead group after emphatic win over Bangladesh

Australia leg-spinner Georgia Wareham made the most of her first international match in more than a year, taking 3-20 as the defending champions eased to victory over Bangladesh by eight wickets at the Women’s T20 World Cup.

Australia joined Sri Lanka with two wins from two in Group 1 and went back to the top on net run rate.

Meg Lanning hit an unbeaten 48 against Bangladesh.Credit:Getty Images

Wareham, whose last international was in October 2021, was pivotal as Australia limited Bangladesh to 107-7 on Tuesday (Wednesday AEDT). Only captain Nigar Sultana’s 57 from 50 balls stood out.

The Aussies were untroubled in their chase, cruising to 111-2 in 18.2 overs. They were led home by captain Meg Lanning, who barely got out of second gear in her 48 not out.

Opener Alyssa Healy hit 37 from 36 at the top to put the world’s top-ranked team on the way to another impressive win. Ashleigh Gardner, who landed a $558,000 payday at the Women’s Premier League auction in Mumbai, remained unbeaten on 19 off 20 balls. The 25-year-old all-rounder sealed victory with a four with 10 balls to spare.

Wareham had a long road back to international cricket after rupturing a ligament in her left knee more than a year ago.

On her comeback, the 23-year-old spinner picked up the wickets of Sobhana Mostary (7), Shorna Akter (12) and Rumana Ahmed (4) in Bangladesh’s middle order as Australia took control in Gqeberha, the city formerly known as Port Elizabeth.

“It’s pretty special any time to play for your country,” Wareham said. “To do that at the World Cup and get a few wickets, it’s pretty cool.”

Australia, the dominant force in women’s cricket, beat New Zealand by a whopping 97 runs in the first game of their attempt to win a third straight title.

India are in action on Wednesday against the West Indies and could join England with two wins from two in Group 2.

The top two teams from each of the two preliminary groups advance to the semi-finals. The teams currently in position to progress are Australia, Sri Lanka, England and India.

AP

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