Sutherland, Litchfield star as Australia thrash Bangladesh in first women's ODI

Australia beat Bangladesh by seven wickets with 146 balls to spare in the first women's one-day international at Allan Border Field in Brisbane on Friday, October 9, 2026, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Bangladesh were bowled out for 166 in 49.4 overs, with all-rounder Annabel Sutherland taking four wickets for 30 runs. Australia then chased down the target of 167 in just 25.4 overs, finishing on 168 for 3, as opener Phoebe Litchfield scored 77 off 57 balls. Sutherland, who also finished unbeaten with the bat, was named Player of the Match. The second ODI is scheduled for Sunday, October 11.

Bangladesh did well to bat almost the full 50 overs against one of the strongest bowling attacks in women's cricket, but 166 was never likely to trouble Australia's batting line-up. Ritu Moni's 45 held the innings together, yet no other batter could build a big score, and Sutherland's spell through the middle broke the innings open.

Australia's chase showed why they remain so hard to beat at home. Litchfield attacked from the start, scoring at better than a run a ball, and turned a modest target into a contest finished in barely half the allotted overs. Winning with almost 25 overs to spare also helps the team's net run rate, which can matter in tournament standings.

For Bangladesh, the tour is a chance to measure themselves against the best. The experience of facing world-class pace and spin in Australian conditions is valuable even in defeat. The key question for the second ODI is whether their top order can lift the total well above 200 and give their spinners something to defend.

For Indian fans, results like this are a useful benchmark. Australia are India's main rivals at the top of women's cricket, and every performance from Litchfield and Sutherland is a guide to what India's bowlers and batters will face in their next meeting.

Short-term: Australia can seal the series with a win in the second ODI on October 11; Bangladesh need a much bigger batting effort to stay alive.

Long-term: The series gives Bangladesh rare experience against the top side, and gives Australia a chance to test younger players in home conditions.

Who is affected: The Australian and Bangladeshi women's teams, their selectors and coaches, and fans following international women's cricket, including rivals such as India.

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