Litchfield shines as Australia cruises to seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh

Australia has taken a 1-0 lead in their ODI series against Bangladesh, thanks to a dominant seven-wicket victory in Brisbane. The home team's opener, Phoebe Litchfield, played a crucial role in the win, scoring 77 runs off 57 deliveries.

Litchfield's impressive performance

Litchfield's quick fire 50 helped the Australians to a commanding victory. She combined ramps, glides, clips, exquisite drives, lofted pitching wedges, reverse hockey thumps and thunderous wallops in another knock that confirmed she is unique in world cricket and an absolute joy to watch.

The left-hander was unstoppable in racing to her 12th ODI half-century. Her innings ensured Australia polished off the meagre 166 all out set by Bangladesh in just 25.4 overs for the loss of three wickets.

Schutt's milestone

Australia pace bowler Megan Schutt earlier snared her 150th ODI wicket in a probing opening spell to put the hosts on top. Schutt finished with 2-19 from her 10 overs, with medium pacer Annabel Sutherland (4-30) proving a handful when she hit the pitch hard.

“I think it was a great team effort,” Sutherland said. “The bowlers did a great job to restrict them to a low score and then Phoebe and I were able to get the job done.”

Schutt has relished playing at Allan Border Field throughout her career, where she now has 20 wickets.

Series to continue

The series will continue on Sunday and then finish on Wednesday, with both the second and third ODIs also to be played at Allan Border Field.