Tigresses bow out of Australia tour on a low

Bangladesh suffered another heavy defeat against Australia, losing the third and final Women’s ODI by eight wickets in Brisbane on Wednesday, but Shorna Akter and Sharmin Akter Supta offered some resistance after Megan Schutt’s four-wicket burst exposed the visitors’ top order again.

Bangladesh were bowled out for 172 in 49.5 overs after being asked to bat, with Schutt taking 4-16 from 10 overs, including five maidens. Australia raced to 175 for two in just 22.4 overs, completing the chase with 164 balls to spare and sweeping the series 3-0.

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The result followed Australia’s seven- and nine-wicket victories in the first two matches. Bangladesh had shown signs of progress in the second ODI, when Sobhana Mostary struck a sensational 118 off 134 balls -- the first international century by a Bangladesh woman against Australia -- and shared a record 195-run partnership with captain Nigar Sultana Joty. But the visitors could not carry that momentum into the series finale.

At the Allan Border Field, Schutt dismantled the top order, removing Murshida Khatun, Sarmin Sultana, Joty and Sobhana to leave Bangladesh reeling at 45-4. Supta then made 50 off 93 balls, while Shorna scored 54 off 71 to revive the innings through an 81-run fifth-wicket stand. Bangladesh moved to 99 before Supta fell to Ellyse Perry, and the lower order could not build on the platform.

Shorna continued to fight before being stumped off Annabel Sutherland in the 49th over. Disha Biswas, making her ODI debut, remained unbeaten on 13 off 26 balls as the Tigresses were dismissed five balls short of their allotted 50 overs.

In reply, Australia’s chase was barely troubled. Georgia Voll fell for 11 and Beth Mooney for 21, but Perry and Sutherland put the visitors’ bowlers under sustained pressure. Perry finished unbeaten on 65 off 64 balls, while Sutherland smashed 74 not out from 52 deliveries, including 12 fours, as their unbroken 137-run stand took Australia home. Disha and Sultana Khatun picked one wicket apiece.

Schutt was named Player of the Match and Player of the Series after finishing the series with 10 wickets.

Bangladesh captain Joty said her team had taken positives from the tour, particularly the performances of younger players, despite the challenging conditions and results.

“Each and every game, one of the players came up for the team. We have taken a lot of positives, and will try to improve in the future,” she said.