Defending champions Australia stormed into the semifinals of the Women's Cricket World Cup with two matches to spare after thrashing Bangladesh by 10 wickets on Thursday.
Skipper Alyssa Healy smashed an unbeaten 113 off 77 balls, while Phoebe Litchfield scored 84 not out off 72, guiding Australia to 202 without loss in just 24.5 overs, chasing Bangladesh’s 198-9.
Healy’s knock, her second straight century following a 142-run innings against India, featured 20 boundaries and became the fastest hundred of the tournament. Litchfield struck 12 fours and a six as the pair shared Australia’s third-highest World Cup partnership for any wicket.
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Leg-spinner Alana King starred with the ball, taking 2-18 in 10 overs, earning her the Player of the Match award. “We wanted to bowl to our strengths and keep them to a reasonable score,” King said.
With nine points from five games, Australia extended their World Cup winning streak to 13, while Bangladesh, with two points, remained sixth.
Australia will face England in Indore next Wednesday, while Bangladesh meet Sri Lanka in Navi Mumbai on Monday.
Source: AP