Schutt stars as Australia complete 3-0 sweep of Bangladesh
Annabel Sutherland and Ellyse Perry slammed quickfire fifties to help chase down 172 in just 22.4 overs
Megan Schutt's four-wicket haul set up Australia's eight-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the third ODI at Allan Border Field in Brisbane on Wednesday (October 14), completing a 3-0 series sweep. Schutt returned figures of 4 for 16, while Annabel Sutherland and Ellyse Perry struck unbeaten half-centuries to guide the hosts to the target of 173 in just 22.4 overs.
Having elected to bowl, Australia made early inroads through Schutt, who dismantled Bangladesh's top order to leave the visitors struggling at 45 for 4. The pacer removed Murshida Khatun and Sarmin Sultana early before dismissing captain Nigar Sultana and Sobhana Mostary to leave Bangladesh in trouble.
Sharmin Akhter and Shorna Akter then provided some resistance, putting together a 54-run stand for the fifth wicket. Sharmin made 50 off 93 balls, striking eight boundaries, before falling to Perry in the 34th over. Shorna kept the innings going, scoring 54 off 71 deliveries, as Bangladesh attempted to rebuild after their early setbacks.
Shorna found support from Rabeya Khan and Disha Biswas, adding 27 and 23 for the seventh and eighth wickets respectively, but Australia continued to chip away at the lower order. Sutherland dismissed Shorna and Habiba Islam Pinky, while Ashleigh Gardner picked up two wickets. Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 172 in 49.5 overs.
Australia's chase began aggressively, with Georgia Voll striking 11 off six balls before being dismissed LBW by Sultana Khatun. Beth Mooney also made a brisk start, scoring 21 off 14 deliveries, but fell to Disha Biswas with the score at 38 for 2.
That was as good as it got for Bangladesh. Perry and Sutherland took control with an unbroken 137-run partnership off just 104 balls for the third wicket, taking Australia home with more than 27 overs to spare. Perry remained unbeaten on 65 off 64 balls, hitting eight fours, while Sutherland finished on 74 not out from 52 deliveries, with 12 boundaries.
Brief scores: Bangladesh 172 in 49.5 overs (Shorna Akter 54, Sharmin Akhter 50; Megan Schutt 4-16) lost to Australia 175/2 in 22.4 overs (Annabel Sutherland 74*, Ellyse Perry 65*; Disha Biswas 1-40) by eight wickets
