Australia lead group after emphatic win over Bangladesh

Australia leg-spinner Georgia Wareham made the most of her first international match in more than a year, taking 3-20 as the defending champions eased to victory over Bangladesh by eight wickets at the Women’s T20 World Cup.

Australia joined Sri Lanka with two wins from two in Group 1 and went back to the top on net run rate.

Wareham, whose last international was in October 2021, was pivotal as Australia limited Bangladesh to 107-7 on Tuesday (Wednesday AEDT). Only captain Nigar Sultana’s 57 from 50 balls stood out.

The Aussies were untroubled in their chase, cruising to 111-2 in 18.2 overs. They were led home by captain Meg Lanning, who barely got out of second gear in her 48 not out.

Opener Alyssa Healy hit 37 from 36 at the top to put the world’s top-ranked team on the way to another impressive win. Australia beat New Zealand by a whopping 97 runs in the first game of their title defence. Australia are the dominant force in women’s cricket and are seeking a third straight title.

Wareham had a long road back to international cricket after rupturing a ligament in her left knee more than a year ago.

On her comeback, the 23-year-old spinner picked up the wickets of Sobhana Mostary (7), Shorna Akter (12) and Rumana Ahmed (4) in Bangladesh’s middle order as Australia took control in Gqeberha, the city formerly known as Port Elizabeth.

“It’s pretty special any time to play for your country,” Wareham said. “To do that at the World Cup and get a few wickets, it’s pretty cool.”