Bangladesh women's cricket team failed to make their first-ever ODI in a bilateral series on Australian soil a memorable one, suffering a seven-wicket defeat to the hosts at Allan Border Field in Brisbane on Friday.
Batting first, Bangladesh were bowled out for 166 in 49.4 overs, a total that proved well below par against the world No. 1 side on home soil.
Australia cruised to 168-3 in just 25.4 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Amid Bangladesh's disappointing performance, debutant pacer Habiba Islam Pinky offered a glimpse of her potential, claiming 2-36.
She denied Australia a flying start by dismissing opener Georgia Voll for 19, leaving the hosts at 30-1 in the sixth over.
However, it did little to trouble the world's top-ranked team, as Phoebe Litchfield and Ellyse Perry made light work of the chase, sharing an 89-run partnership for the second wicket.
Leg-spinner Rabeya Khan broke the stand by dismissing Litchfield, who smashed 77 off 57 balls, including 10 fours and a six.
Habiba returned to remove Beth Mooney for 13, but Perry and Annabel Sutherland guided Australia home without further trouble.
Perry remained unbeaten on 26, while Sutherland was 25 not out as Australia sealed the victory.
Earlier, Sutherland claimed 4-30 to derail Bangladesh's innings, while Megan Schutt provided able support with 2-19. Ashleigh Gardner, Georgia Wareham and Tahlia McGrath took one wicket apiece.
Bangladesh suffered a poor start after openers Farjana Haque Pinky and Sarmin Sultana were dismissed for single-digit scores.
Captain Nigar Sultana Joty and Sharmin Akter Supta contributed 29 and 24 respectively, but Bangladesh continued to lose wickets at regular intervals.
No. 7 batter Ritu Moni top-scored with 45 off 63 balls to help Bangladesh cross the 150-run mark. However, her effort proved insufficient against one of the most formidable teams in women's cricket.
