Healy-led Australia aim to seal top-four berth in Visakhapatnam
The seven-time champions Australia are sitting comfortably at the top of the points table. They have been tested by New Zealand, Pakistan, and India so far in the World Cup, but the defending champions have somehow managed to snatch victory — often from the jaws of defeat. Captain Alyssa Healy, leading the team for the first time in World Cups, has been stupendous in managing her resources and bringing out the best in each player.
Whether it was Ashleigh Gardner’s match-winning century against New Zealand, Beth Mooney’s face-saving innings against Pakistan, or Healy’s breathtaking knock against India — all have stood out. Australia are arguably the only team boasting as many as half a dozen genuine all-rounders. Among them, Annabel Sutherland has grabbed the spotlight with her consistent bowling performances. With 10 wickets in the competition so far, she is the leading wicket-taker.
Bangladesh, who have managed just one win in this World Cup, now face their toughest challenge yet — Australia, a team they have never beaten. The Nigar Sultana Joty-led side has shown flashes of brilliance against South Africa and England, and at one stage in both matches, it looked like Bangladesh could pull off an upset. However, nerves got the better of them, and they couldn’t close out those tight contests.
Once again, Bangladesh’s spinners will need to weave their magic against a formidable Australian batting lineup that goes as deep as number ten. Bangladesh have five spinners covering all varieties, and the onus will be on them to make an impact. With the bat, Sobhana Mostary has been impressive, but it’s time for senior players like captain Joty, Ritu Moni, and Fargana Hoque to step up and deliver valuable contributions.
A win here would guarantee Australia a top-four finish, whereas Bangladesh, with just two points on the board, desperately need a victory to keep their semifinal hopes alive.
Head-to-Head
Overall: Australia – 4, Bangladesh – 0
At World Cups: Australia – 1, Bangladesh – 0
ICC ODI Rankings: Australia – 1, Bangladesh – 7
Squads
Australia: Alyssa Healy (c), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Heather Graham, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham
Bangladesh: Nigar Sultana Joty (c), Nahida Akter, Farzana Haque, Rubya Haider Jhelik, Sharmin Akter Supta, Sobhana Mostary, Ritu Moni, Shorna Akter, Fahima Khatun, Rabeya Khan, Marufa Akter, Fariha Islam Trisna, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Nishita Akter Nishi, Sumaiya Akter
Players to watch out
For Australia, captain Alyssa Healy struck a scintillating century against India at the same venue where she will now face Bangladesh. In that match, all-rounder Annabel Sutherland, who brings plenty of variations to her medium pace, was also outstanding, finishing with a five-wicket haul.
For Bangladesh, skipper Nigar Sultana Joty needs to take greater responsibility with the bat and guide the relatively inexperienced batting unit. With the ball, left-arm spinner Nahida Akter will fancy her chances against Healy in the first powerplay.
Match details
Date: October 16, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM
Venue: Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
Live streaming: Star Sports Network, JioHotstar