ICC Women's CWC 2022 | AUS-W vs PAK-W | Southern Stars register win over gritty Tigresses

Mighty Australia beat Bangladesh by five wickets in Wellington to maintain their winning streak at the Women's Cricket World Cup on Friday (March 25). However, it was certainly not a smooth run for Australia, and Bangladesh successfully kept the pressure intact on them in the rain-affected match, which reduced to 43 overs per side.

After being put in to bat, Bangladesh could manage 135-6, where Lata Mondal top-scored with 33, a dead rubber for Australia, who had already sealed a playoff spot. However, the wind was so strong at Wellington's Basin Reserve that the bails were constantly falling down from the stumps and the umpires decided to play on without them.

"It's certainly the hardest conditions I've played in," Australia captain Meg Lanning said.

"I was freezing cold… today was about finding a way to get through it and win. We certainly had to fight; Bangladesh put us under pressure and played extremely well."

Meanwhile, Bangladesh's batters made a slow start in the conditions, reaching 58-2 after 18 overs. Sharmin Akhtar's dismissal for 24 made run-scoring tough for them, with Bangladesh scoring only eight from the following eight overs as Australia's spinners put the pressure on.

However, Lata Mondal showed some aggression late in the innings but fell in the final over as Bangladesh finished on 135-6.

The chase was always going to be an easy peasy task for the Southern Stars, but they would have hearts in their mouths. At 70 for 5, things could have tilted either way. However, it wasn't meant to be for the Tigresses.

Beth Mooney anchored Australia's innings with an unbeaten 66, along with Annabel Sutherland's 26 not out, while Salma Khatun picked up 3-23 for Bangladesh. With this, Australia remains the only undefeated team at this year's tournament and is one of the favourites for a seventh World Cup title.

Bangladesh will next play against the defending champion England on Sunday (March 27), and it will be interesting to see their approach to beating them.

Match Details

Bangladesh Women - 135/6 (43)

Lata Mondal - 33 (63);

Jess Jonassen - 2/13 (9), Ashleigh Gardner - 2/23 (8)

Australia Women - 136/5 (32.1)
Beth Mooney - 66* (75), Annabel Sutherland - 26* (39);

Salma Khatun - 2/23 (9)

Australia Women won by six wickets.