Bangladesh’s next battle in the Women’s World Cup 2025 is their biggest yet. After giving England and South Africa tough fights, they now face the mighty Australia. It’s not just another match — it’s a chance to prove they belong among the top four.
This team has grown remarkably since their last World Cup. They nearly defended 135 against Australia in 2022, showing resilience even in defeat. Three years later, they look sharper, more confident, and eager to make a statement. Their bowling has troubled stronger sides, and their batting finally looks settled.
Australia, though, remain the gold standard of women’s cricket. Seven titles, unmatched depth, and tactical sharpness define them. Yet, their campaign has shown cracks. Their top order struggled in early matches, and Bangladesh’s bowlers could exploit that vulnerability. One perfect day could turn Bangladesh’s dream into reality, like the Bangladesh men’s timeline.
Australia Seek Stability While Bangladesh Target Their First Big Upset
Australia’s batting has been powerful yet inconsistent. Alyssa Healy, Beth Mooney, and Ellyse Perry have delivered key runs, but collapses remain a concern. Against India, they lost quick wickets before Annabel Sutherland’s counterattack saved them. That fragile middle order gives Bangladesh hope.
Their bowling, however, continues to dominate. Megan Schutt, Sophie Molineux, and Ashleigh Gardner form one of the most balanced attacks in the world. The Australian fielding unit also remains elite, saving crucial runs and forcing pressure moments.
Bangladesh will rely on their swing bowlers to break through early. Marufa Akter’s inswingers can trouble Healy, while Nahida Akter’s spin could control the middle overs. They nearly defended a small total against South Africa on this same ground. If their fielding improves, they could challenge the defending champions deep into the match.
Marufa Akter and Phoebe Litchfield Could Shape the Contest
Marufa Akter’s rhythm is vital for Bangladesh. Her early swing against England created real discomfort. She must rediscover that control to strike early against Australia’s power hitters.
Meanwhile, Phoebe Litchfield is due for a big score. Her crisp 40 against India showed potential. On a flat Visakhapatnam surface, she could be Australia’s key to stability. The duel between these two youngsters will set the tone for the evening.
Bangladesh’s Bowling — Their Biggest Weapon Against Australia
Bangladesh’s bowling has been their strength all tournament. They’ve consistently created chances, even against top-ranked teams. Marufa Akter’s movement with the new ball and Nahida Akter’s disciplined spin make them a dangerous pair.
They’ll aim to keep Australia under 250 — a total within their reach. Rabeya Khan and Ritu Moni add variety in the middle overs, maintaining pressure through tight lines. If Bangladesh can combine early breakthroughs with tight spin bowling, they can restrict Australia’s run flow.
Fielding, however, remains a concern. Dropped catches against South Africa cost them a potential win. They cannot afford repeats here. Precision and teamwork will define whether their bowling brilliance turns into victory.
Key Matchups to Watch Out For
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Alyssa Healy vs Marufa Akter: Experience against swing.
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Ashleigh Gardner vs Nahida Akter: Spin versus spin duel.
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Phoebe Litchfield vs Rabeya Khan: Young gun battle for control.
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Nigar Sultana vs Sutherland’s pace: Captain’s composure under fire.
These mini-battles could decide the tempo and flow of the entire contest.
Australia’s Batting Depth Still Faces Questions
Australia’s batting lineup is world-class but not flawless. Perry, Mooney, and Gardner often rescue innings after poor starts. Bangladesh’s goal will be to remove Healy early and expose that middle order quickly.
Beth Mooney remains Australia’s anchor. If Bangladesh can tie her down, the scoring rate will slow. Their spinners will target her patience and footwork, especially under pressure.
The key lies in partnerships. If Bangladesh can pick wickets in clusters, Australia might once again rely on late-order hitting. And under the Visakhapatnam humidity, that could be risky.
Pitch Report and Playing Conditions in Visakhapatnam
The Visakhapatnam pitch has been a paradise for batters, but it offers early swing and some turn. Pacers enjoy the first 10 overs before the surface flattens. Dew has been a game-changer in evening matches.
Bangladesh struggled with grip under lights against South Africa. To counter that, they’ll likely bowl first if they win the toss. Australia’s bowlers, on the other hand, must manage heavy dew while defending totals.
With clear skies forecast, this game promises full 100 overs and plenty of runs. Anything above 240 will be competitive given the humidity and fatigue factor.
Key Stats and Trivia
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Shorna Akter holds Bangladesh’s fastest ODI fifty (34 balls).
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Annabel Sutherland’s five-for against India was Australia’s third-ever in World Cup history.
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Alyssa Healy has scored three World Cup centuries — joint-most for Australia.
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Bangladesh have never beaten Australia in ODIs but came close in 2022.
Bangladesh’s Growth in Women’s Cricket Since 2022
Bangladesh’s improvement is visible across departments. They’ve added fitness, tactical awareness, and composure. Players like Nigar Sultana and Shorna Akter have matured into dependable performers. Their fighting spirit against England and South Africa showed that they’re no longer pushovers.
Crucially, their bowling attack can now defend totals and compete under pressure. The team’s structure and belief have evolved since 2022. Each match builds their confidence, and that hunger for respect makes them dangerous opponents.
This generation isn’t here to participate — they’re here to compete.
Lessons for Teams Like Nepal and Ireland
Bangladesh’s rise is proof that small boards can grow fast with structure. Their investment in youth programs, domestic tournaments, and mental conditioning is paying off. Teams like Nepal and Ireland can follow this template — prioritising discipline, not star power.
A mix of grassroots development and international exposure can change a team’s future within five years. Bangladesh’s journey shows that belief and planning can outshine resources.
Conclusion: Can Bangladesh Create History Against the Giants?
To pull off an upset, Bangladesh need three things — early wickets, sharp fielding, and fearless batting. They must attack early and back their bowlers even if runs flow. When batting, they can’t get stuck in defensive shells. Rotating strike and building partnerships will be crucial.
Captain Nigar Sultana will need to lead from the front — steadying the innings while encouraging young hitters like Shorna Akter to express themselves. If the team holds composure under pressure, they can stretch Australia deep into the match.
Bangladesh have come a long way since their early struggles in global cricket. They now carry belief, structure, and heart. Australia remain the favourite, but they know this won’t be an easy outing. The Tigresses have pushed two giants already — one more big fight could finally tilt their luck.
If Bangladesh play fearless cricket, stays sharp in the field, and handles the pressure moments better, they can create the upset of the tournament. For fans, it’s not just another group match — it’s a reminder that cricket’s magic lies in the unexpected.
