Australia’s new golden girl Annabel Sutherland has stepped in to rescue Australia in Dhaka, leading the tourists to a 118-run win over Bangladesh.
After Australia slumped to 4-48 early on a slow and turning pitch, Sutherland hit a measured and unbeaten 58 to lift her side to 7-213 in the first ODI of the three-match series.
Her runs came as part of a 67-run eighth-wicket stand with Alana King, who belted 46 not out from 31 balls in an innings that included five sixes.
Australia were then able to bowl out Bangladesh for 95, with Ashleigh Gardner taking 3-22 and Phoebe Litchfield producing a superb run-out.
But it is Sutherland who is continuing to produce for Australia.
The allrounder hit her maiden Test century batting No.8 for Australia in last year’s Ashes, and backed it up with a double ton against South Africa in Perth last month.
The 22-year-old was more measured on Thursday, after Beth Mooney (25) and Gardner (32) began to steady the game for Australia.
Sutherland hit 19 from her first 35 balls, before upping the ante late alongside King, who pulled and swept legspinner Fahima Khatun over the rope four times in the final over.
Alyssa Healy runs out Fahima Khatun of Bangladesh. (Photo by Abhishek Chinnappa/Getty Images)
“Annabel batted really well, along with Beth Mooney and Ash Gardner,” King said.
“They set the foundation … It was just a bit of fun in the last over. We were looking at getting over 200 and Annabel gave me free rein.
“We could go for as many runs as possible and I am glad I connected with a few.”
And after Megan Schutt struck with the second ball of Bangladesh’s innings, King kept control with the ball with 1-12 from her 10 overs.
She also claimed the key wicket of opener Sobhana Mostary for 17, when she bowled the right-hander sweeping.
A trio of run-outs then ensured Australia would not suffer a shock loss.
Litchfield’s effort to remove Fahima was the pick of them, diving to her right at cover to produce a direct hit and remove the right-hander for one.
Another direct hit from Mooney with one stump to aim at followed four overs later, helping her run out Ritu Moni at the non-striker’s end on one.
And when Sutherland charged in to run out an unaware Nigar Sultana for 27 when the Bangladesh batter failed to slide her bat, the game was as good as over.
© AAP
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