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Rajasekhara Reddy ACA: Sobhana Mostary’s unbeaten half-century allowed Bangladesh to put up a challenging total of 198/9 in 50 overs against Australia in the Women’s World Cup clash at Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium here on Thursday.

Sobhana’s knock showed a lot of grit and resilience and rescued Bangladesh from collapsing completely against the defending champions’ spirited bowling effort. However, Australia dropped six catches in the match, and had it been taken, Bangladesh would have collapsed on a mere total.

Opting to bat first, Bangladesh had a steady and slow start with openers Fargana Hoque and Rubya Haider stitching a 32-run stand for the first wicket. Just when it looked like Bangladesh would end the powerplay without the loss of a wicket, Megan Schutt broke the partnership in the ninth over as Fargana departed on 8. Bangladesh were 37/1 after the end of the powerplay.