Australia stormed into the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 with a ruthless 10-wicket thrashing of Bangladesh in Colombo on Thursday. Chasing a modest 199, Alyssa Healy and Phoebe Litchfield made light work of the target, powering Australia to victory inside 25 overs.
The result lifted the defending champions to the top of the points table with nine points from five matches, ensuring their passage to the knockout stage. Bangladesh, meanwhile, remained in sixth place with just two points and are virtually out of contention.
Healy and Litchfield’s flawless chase
From the first ball, Australia’s openers looked in complete control. Healy was at her destructive best, smashing an unbeaten 113 off 77 balls, laced with 20 boundaries — her second century of the tournament.
At the other end, Litchfield played the perfect partner, crafting an elegant 84 not out featuring 12 fours and a six. The duo’s unbroken 199-run stand — Australia’s highest opening partnership of the tournament — sealed a resounding win and underlined their batting dominance heading into the semi-finals.
Mostary’s lone fight lifts Bangladesh to 198
Earlier, Bangladesh opted to bat and posted 198/9 in their 50 overs, largely thanks to Sobhana Mostary’s unbeaten 66. The young batter anchored the innings superbly, finding the boundary nine times and adding a crucial 28 runs in the final three overs to push her team close to the 200-mark.
Rubya Haider also contributed a handy 44, but Bangladesh struggled to maintain momentum against Australia’s disciplined bowling attack.
Australian bowlers tighten the screws
Australia’s spinners once again dictated terms. Alana King (2/18) and Georgia Wareham (2/22) were miserly and incisive, while Ashleigh Gardner (2/42) and Annabel Sutherland (2/33) chipped in with important breakthroughs.
Megan Schutt struck early to remove Farzana Haque, setting the tone before Gardner dismantled Bangladesh’s top order, removing both Haider and Sharmin Akter in quick succession. Despite Mostary’s resistance, Bangladesh could only post a below-par total — the first time in this tournament Australia failed to bowl out an opponent.
What’s next
With momentum firmly on their side, Australia will next face England on October 22, a potential preview of the final. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will look to regain pride when they meet hosts Sri Lanka on October 20.