Women’s T20 World Cup 2023: Georgia Wareham, Meg Lanning help Australia ease past Bangladesh

Georgia Wareham enjoyed a dream comeback to international cricket as Meg Lanning’s Australia eased past Bangladesh in a Women’s T20 World Cup match.

Wareham took a three-wicket haul to restrict Bangladesh to 107 before Lanning steered the defending champions to an eight-wicket victory at St George’s Park in Gqeberha on Tuesday (February 14).

Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana’s half-century helped Bangladesh to post 107/7 after opting to bat. Bangladesh lost its openers early on as a sharp catch from Beth Mooney removed Shamima Sultana (1) off Darcie Brown before the pacer cleaned up Murshida Khatun (7).

Nigar’s hitting ability helped Bangladesh reach 34/2 at the end of the powerplay overs. While wickets kept on falling on one end, Nigar kept the runs flowing to become the first Bangladesh woman to ever score a fifty in a T20 World Cup.

However, just when Nigar tried to accelerate, she departed for 57 after giving a catch to Meg Lanning off the bowling of Ash Gardner. For Australia, Georgia Wareham returned with 3/20 in her first international match in 18 months.

In reply, Australia suffered an early scare in the run chase as Beth Mooney (2) was dismissed by Marufa Akter. However, it was just a matter of time for Australia to recover, thanks to their star-studded top order.

The defending champions racked up runs in the powerplay overs to control the 108-run chase. Shorna Akter got the much-needed breakthrough, dismissing Alyssa Healy (37). Although Australia’s rate of scoring runs slowed, Lanning (48*) and Garder (19*) took Australia over the line in the penultimate over.