Australia Women crushed Bangladesh Women by 9 wickets with 63 balls to spare in the 9th match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Leeds. After being invited to bat first, Bangladesh Women managed to score only 77/8 in their 20 overs against the disciplined bowling effort of Australia Women.
Sophie Molineux (2/14 in 4 overs), Ellyse Perry (2/14 in 3 overs), and Kim Garth (2/18 in 4 overs) demolished the top and middle order and did not allow any batter to score freely. Nigar Sultana and Ritu Moni were the only batters who scored in double digits. Georgia Wareham and Annabel Sutherland also bowled economical spells and took one wicket each. Nigar Sultana remained the highest scorer for Bangladesh Women.
In reply, Australia Women cruised to the target in 9.3 overs with the loss of one wicket. Georgia Voll scored a blazing-fast 45 runs off 32 balls and remained unbeaten, while Ellyse Perry remained not out on 19 runs off 15 balls. With this win, Australia moved to the top position in Group A. Bangladesh Women, on the other hand, need to win their remaining matches to stay in the knockout race.
Australia take control from the start
The match unfolded much as expected, with Australia choosing to bowl first in helpful conditions. The pitch offered movement for the seamers, and the Australian attack made full use of it. Kim Garth led the charge early, striking twice in the powerplay to immediately put Bangladesh under pressure. Ellyse Perry also played a key supporting role, while wickets were shared across the bowling unit.
Bangladesh never found momentum with the bat. They managed only six boundaries in their entire 20 overs and were quickly reduced to 27 for 5 in the eighth over. Captain Nigar Sultana, who top-scored with 27 off 47 balls, admitted the team fell short of expectations, saying, “We are better than that.”
Early collapse cripples Bangladesh
Australia’s bowlers maintained tight lines and kept scoring extremely difficult. The early breakthroughs came through disciplined seam bowling, with Dilara Akter and Juairiya Ferdous both dismissed cheaply as they struggled against movement off the pitch.
At the other end, Megan Schutt was slightly inconsistent with her lengths, but Sophie Molineux made an immediate impact after her success in the previous match. She trapped Sharmin Akhter lbw, continuing her strong tournament form.
Ellyse Perry then joined the wicket-taking effort, first taking a sharp catch involvement through Molineux’s bowling before striking twice herself. She removed Sobhana Mostary and Shorna Akter in quick succession, leaving Bangladesh in deep trouble at 27 for 5 inside eight overs.
Perry and Molineux tighten the grip
Perry’s double strike proved decisive in breaking Bangladesh’s resistance early. Although Nigar Sultana and Ritu Moni added a small 32-run partnership to avoid complete collapse, the innings never recovered. Australia’s bowlers rotated effectively, mixing pace and spin without allowing any pressure release.
Molineux continued to manage her bowling options smartly, using Georgia Wareham and Alana King in short spells. Despite the variety available, Australia even had unused depth in Nicola Carey, highlighting the strength of their bowling attack in these conditions.
Bangladesh’s innings lacked intent, and they struggled to build partnerships or accelerate the scoring rate at any stage.
Garth leads disciplined bowling effort
Kim Garth was particularly impressive, exploiting the Headingley surface expertly. She struck early as Bangladesh batters attempted aggressive strokes but failed to adjust to movement through the air and off the seam. Her early breakthroughs set the tone for the innings.
Australia’s collective effort ensured Bangladesh were bowled out for a modest total of 77 for 8, a score that never tested the opposition.
Australia cruise in the chase
Chasing a small target, Australia’s only real question was how quickly they would finish. Georgia Voll initially took a few deliveries to settle but soon dominated the bowling. Once she found her rhythm, she struck boundaries with ease, especially through the off-side and straight down the ground.
Voll finished with six fours in just 32 balls, matching Bangladesh’s entire boundary count in their innings, underlining the difference in quality between the two sides.
Beth Mooney was the only Australian wicket to fall, dismissed at mid-off after a well-taken catch by Ritu Moni off Marufa Akter’s bowling. Marufa completed her full quota of four overs and earned a deserved wicket for her disciplined effort.
Brief Scorecard
