Tigresses crumble to heavy loss against Australia

A woeful batting display condemned Bangladesh to a crushing nine-wicket defeat against Australia in their second Group A match of the ongoing ICC Women's T20 World Cup at Headingley in Leeds on Wednesday.

Asked to bat first, Bangladesh suffered an early collapse, slumping to 27 for five inside eight overs. A 32-run stand between captain Nigar Sultana Joty, who top-scored with 27 off 47 balls, and Ritu Moni, who made 16 from 26 deliveries, offered brief resistance, but the Tigresses never looked capable of posting a competitive total.

Bangladesh eventually limped to 77 for eight in their allotted 20 overs -- their lowest-ever total against Australia in the format.

For Australia, Kim Garth, Sophie Molineux and Ellyse Perry claimed two wickets apiece.

The six-time champions then made light work of the chase. Opener Georgia Voll remained unbeaten on 45 off 32 balls, while Perry added an unbeaten 19 as Australia reached the target in just 9.3 overs.

The emphatic win lifted Australia to the top of the six-team Group A standings with four points from two matches.

Bangladesh, who opened their campaign with a six-wicket victory over the Netherlands, are now third in the group with two points from as many games.

The Tigresses will next face Pakistan at The Rose Bowl in Southampton on June 20.